Finally, August has arrived. When it comes to summer, August is the month that stands out. The Gion Festival, Tenjin Festival, and Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival—all of them are like a prelude to this August. The sun shines fiercely, and when you seek shade, you’ll hear a grand chorus of cicadas. With Bon Festival at its center, both children and adults enjoy their summer vacations. It’s exciting to plan trips to the sea and mountains. The Summer Koshien baseball tournament is also fantastic. And let us not forget the importance of August 6th, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Day, August 9th, the Nagasaki Peace Memorial Day, and August 15th, the end of World War II Memorial Day. This summer is likely to be special, as we have overcome a once-in-a-century pandemic. So, everyone, let’s get through this summer with energy and joy!

いよいよ８月になりましたね。夏と言えばやはりこの８月ですね。祇園祭りも天神祭も隅田川の花火大会も、言ってみれば、すべてこの８月の先払い。日がガンガン照りつけ、木陰に入ればセミの大合唱。お盆を中心に子供も大人も夏休み。海に山に出かけたくてワクワクですよ。夏の甲子園もいいですね。そして忘れてはならないのが、６日の広島と９日の長崎の原爆記念日、15日の終戦記念日です。今年の夏は、100年に一度なパンデミックを凌いだこともあって、特別な夏になりそうです。皆さん、元気に、そして楽しくこの夏を乗り越えましょう。