It will probably be fine weather tomorrow.
Recently, I suffered from a herniated disc. I was told that a large hospital would be better, so I endured the pain and waited for about a week. When I lay down to sleep, sharp pain would run through me. I took sleeping pills at night and sometimes sat in a chair, enduring the pain as best I could.
A week later, I went to the hospital. The doctor said, “Mr. Tsuruta, you have a herniated disc. Would you like an injection, or surgery?” Sitting at his desk and staring at the computer, he seemed almost as if he were speaking to a machine rather than to a person.
My wife asked, “There is a small hospital near our shop. May we have him examined there as well?” We did not receive a very favorable response and seemed to offend him. Nevertheless, since we decided to change hospitals, he kindly prepared a referral letter for us.
I immediately went to the small hospital near my shop. After reviewing the films we brought, the doctor there said, “With symptoms at this level, it may improve naturally. Let us monitor your condition while you exercise and undergo rehabilitation.”
Following his advice, I began rehabilitation and walking training at the clinic, walking for 30 minutes twice a day. Gradually, my condition improved.
Even now, I continue exercising and doing rehabilitation every morning and evening, and my health is steadily recovering. At the second, smaller hospital, an elderly doctor spoke kindly to me, and an older female staff member guided me through simple exercises to loosen and relax my muscles. Thanks to their care, I regained my health, and I began to wonder what the treatment policy at the large hospital had really been. Now I attend cheerfully and in good spirits.
As we grow older, we all begin to feel aches and pains throughout our bodies. What is most important is to walk properly for at least 30 minutes. I believe that walking for 30 minutes in the evening as well—about one hour in total per day—leads to better health. Especially for those with weak legs, please make an effort to take gentle walks within your limits.
Points to keep in mind when exercising:
Take relatively large strides. Place your heel firmly on the ground before moving the other foot forward. Small steps are not very effective. Walk slowly and consciously, feeling the entire sole of your foot touching the ground. Ideally, walk about 30 minutes in the morning and 30 minutes in the evening. If possible, include rehabilitation exercises from time to time. When muscles weaken, this condition can recur, so please continue carefully. You should gradually improve.
The war between Ukraine and Russia has continued for more than four years without ending. I sincerely hope for its early conclusion, yet the situation continues to involve other countries. Are we left only to watch as families lose their children and husbands? I deeply admire the courage of the Ukrainian people who continue to stand against a great power, but I earnestly pray for a swift end to the conflict.
Recently, more foreign visitors have been coming to our shop with their children. They do not seem particularly hesitant to show swords to their children and observe them with interest. On the other hand, I feel that Japanese people tend to avoid showing swords to children. I wonder whether this difference may eventually lead to a significant gap in the future.
Stock prices and land prices in Japan have risen sharply, making it difficult for ordinary families to purchase land. Rising prices in general are also severe, and we must carefully observe what lies ahead. For the first time in Japan, a woman has become party leader. Whether she will succeed remains to be seen, but if she does, perhaps an era of even greater opportunities for women will come. If not, we may again face difficult times.
The world is vast, and in the past, traveling anywhere required great determination. Today, however, it feels much smaller. Many people now act quickly and gather in Japan in order to purchase Japanese swords. As Japan is an island nation, it is also true that we have fewer land-based disputes with neighboring countries.
I sincerely ask for your continued guidance and encouragement. Unlike the era when the United States was called the “world’s policeman,” we cannot afford to be complacent. We must also adopt a mindset of protecting ourselves. We should be mindful in our choice of words and make efforts to build good and friendly international relationships.
Before the war, the Jewish people were placed under extremely harsh conditions by Germany. Today, however, Israel stands as a powerful nation. At the same time, military actions involving Iran and other countries are being reported. This morning, there was news that Ayatollah Khomeini of Iran had died as a result of U.S. involvement. As a religious leader, he was said to hold influence even greater than that of a president or prime minister. Because of his religious authority, his influence over people was undoubtedly immense.
Why do wars not come to an end? There are concerns that the United States may begin further conflicts. It is also said that the U.S. has begun to involve itself in Greenland. Denmark has governed that land peacefully, yet reports say the U.S. strongly desires it, and other countries are also showing interest. If there are no serious problems, might it not be better to leave it under Denmark’s administration as before?
Please stay well and healthy.
Elderly readers, as mentioned earlier, walk twice a day for about 30 minutes with large strides, firmly placing your heel first. Include exercise from time to time.
Couples, stay healthy together. Enjoy good food and perhaps take a trip now and then.
Children, be kind to others, cheerful, modest, and live close to nature.
Those who work for companies should value work that gives them purpose. One day, everyone must leave their company. Prepare for that time by cultivating what you truly wish to pursue. Even difficult experiences will surely become your strength.
Kazushige Tsuruta
