The start of summer vacation

As summer clouds rise and the sun awakens, the cicadas begin to chirp earnestly.
Summer has come again this year.
The rice in the fields is sprouting brightly, and a summery landscape spreads out before you like a canvas.
Light reaches everywhere, creating the intense colors that are unique to this season.
Even though it is right next to you, the strong colors give the illusion of taking a stroll through the painting.
With that thought in mind, I walked to the library.

I really like the atmosphere of my local library and drop in whenever I have some free time.
The towering bookshelves and well-equipped library are attractive, but
Although the ceilings are high here, the bookshelves are not even tall enough to hold the books, so you can see everything without any strain.
A friendly space where you feel very close to the books.
Besides the books, there are also many hard-to-find classic movie titles quietly lined up, which is surprising to see in such a place.
For me it's a place where I can find small joys.

Recently, a special corner has been set up for children, where booklets compiling various independent research projects are displayed with the slogan "Let's do research and learn at the library."
The works on display are those of elementary and junior high school students, but they are so thorough that you become completely absorbed in reading them.
Of course, only the best ones are selected,
The things that interest the authors are all so different, and it's exciting to see how different the views can be for people who spend the same days together.
The book is packed with the interests and research of a person I've never met,
I follow the characters while letting my imagination run wild.
Not only are the questions and answers (results) given, but the process of how to get there, which is unique to independent research, is explained step by step, and even the smallest details are carefully picked up and a new realization is born.
By digging deeper, many of these things come together and become clear.
By mixing various paints little by little, the initially cloudy and vague color gradually develops into a new color with depth that you have never encountered before.

Whatever interests you, don't leave them alone.
I learned the fun of digging deep into something on my own.
Summer vacation is now upon us, and even as an adult I am inspired by the children and want to follow their example.

And right next to them are the Ono couple, eager to learn and grow every day.
Next week we will be holding a learning event planned by Kaori.
I love Kaori's introduction, so I've included it in its entirety.
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Utsushiki Learning Space Announcement

"I really love everyday life."
That sentence written by Nao Fujiwara, the owner of Fujiwara: New Everyday Cooking, has always stayed in my heart.
If the time when the sun is shining during the day is called a "day," and that day always exists unchanged,
The daily routine is filled with joy. We have invited Nao Fujiwara to provide a learning opportunity where we can carefully confirm that joy.
I hope this will be a day that makes you love your everyday life even more.

Details below
Cooking heals yourself. Cooking will be your talisman.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, I started a class for individuals called "Cooking Class for You." What to do is up to each person, but sometimes I teach cooking as a form of self-care, sometimes I think about how to make meals that can be made in between running the bakery, and sometimes I teach ways to cut corners.
This time, we will use the space of Utsushiki to do this. We can't do much in one class, but we hope to be able to hand over something that will serve as a talisman for the days that follow.
On the second day, we will have a talk session. We will share how to make a really delicious miso soup that will improve your daily meals. After that, let's gather around the dinner table and talk about cooking and daily life.
Cooking meals in midsummer can be hot and difficult, but summer vegetables, full of vitality, make the dish simple and give us a sense of "this is good enough."
Summer is also the season when you can feel the power of your wild side. Please go out and enjoy it.

○ Cooking class just for you Date: Friday, July 28th Time: 11:00-/15:00- 1 person per session Participation fee: 30,000 yen (including ingredients) Please let us know in advance via Zoom or email about your concerns and what you would like to achieve.

○ Make yourself happy with your own hands Cooking and talk session Date: July 29th (Sat) Capacity: 6 adults per session Time: 11:00 ~ / 14:00 ~ Participation fee: 10,000 yen (including demonstration and meal)
Payment method: Bank transfer (notification after registration) What to bring: Writing equipment Apron (for those participating on the 28th)
Location: Utsushiki Cafe

●How to apply●If you would like to participate, please send us a DM on Instagram @__kaoriono__ with the following information.
(1) Your name (2) Number of people (3) A phone number where you can be contacted on the day (4) Your desired participation date (5) If you would like to participate in a cooking class just for you, please let us know your email address. *We will respond within 3 days.
*Please note that if you cancel, the following cancellation fees will apply: Cancellation fee: 2 days before - on the day: 100%

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Nao Fujiwara is a chef and essayist. She is involved in product development, direction, recipe suggestions, classes, etc., based on the idea that "cooking is a tool that can make you happy with your own hands." She is the founder of "New Everyday Cooking Fujiwara," a brand of bottled seasonings that make home cooking delicious and easy.
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Photo: Front Momoka

I have long been a fan of Nao's beautiful bottled condiments that brighten up my everyday life, and it was my first encounter with the products she creates.

Even just reading the informational text gives us a glimpse into Nao's personality and attitude that we would never have known before.

I hope that the realizations that can only be gained by meeting in person and spending time together will be sublimated into individual learning experiences.

Saori Konishi