Last night, an earthquake originating from the Bungo Channel occurred, with a seismic intensity of around 6 observed in Ehime and Kochi Prefectures. Just earlier this year, there was a magnitude 7 earthquake in Noto, and given the concerns about the Tokai and Nankai earthquakes in this region, many were undoubtedly worried about the connection. As we entered April, temperatures soared. On the 15th, temperatures rose mainly in the Japan Sea side and northern Japan, with a record high of 32.5 degrees Celsius in Sanjo City, Niigata Prefecture, marking summer-like temperatures across various regions. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, except for Okinawa Prefecture, this was the first time this year that summer-like temperatures were observed. Concerns arise about whether we can safely navigate through this year. Amidst this, during a morning stroll, carp streamers fluttered against the backdrop of the blue sky, dispelling worries. Come to think of it, Children’s Day is only two weeks away now. It’s already nearly a quarter of the year gone by unnoticed. The swiftness of time passing elicits complex emotions.

昨晩は豊後水道を震源とする地震が起き、愛媛県と高知県で震度6弱を観測したそうです。年初には能登で震度７の地震があったばかりで、東南海地震が心配される地域での大地震でしたので関連を危惧する人も多かったに違いありません。気温も４月に入って鰻上り。15日には日本海側や北日本を中心に気温が上がり、新潟県三条市で32.5度を記録するなど、各地で真夏日を記録しました。気象庁によると、沖縄県以外で真夏日を観測したのは今年初めてだそうです。今年も無事一年を過ごせるのか心配になります。そんな中、朝散歩に出ると青空をバックに鯉のぼりが翻っていて心配も消し飛んでしまいました。そう言えば、もう２週間もすれば子供の日ですね。いつの間にか、１年の4分の１が過ぎ去ろうとしているんですね。月日の経つ早さに複雑な思いがします。