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【現代におけるクルマのない生活の再認識】


　先週の11/5に道南から自宅への帰路でシカに激突され、なんとか注意深く安全運転に徹して帰還して、翌日11/6にはホンダの販売店に事故車を渡して丸１週間。
　この間、基本的にクルマのない生活を過ごした。
　内心はどういった変化があるのかと未知領域への探究心も持っていた。次のクルマも決めて納車は11/20予定なので、高齢期だしノンビリと構えていよう、と思った。
　ちょうどカミさんは風邪症状が出て寝込み気味になり、わたしも余波を受けて丸２日ダウン気味。
　11/8の日曜日には知人の葬儀・お別れ会も札幌から１時間ほどの岩見沢市であったのでレンタカーを１日借り上げ。同時に日用品・食品の買い出しもして、さらに日帰り温泉にもとクルマ大活躍。
　病院も用事もタクシー利用。体調もあり可能な案件についてはZoom参加を了解していただいたり、予約のビジネス来客にもインフル可能性もあり、リスケをお願いするなど多事多難。　
　一昨日11/12は、夫婦とも体調がやや回復したので、クルマの販売店にいっしょに行って販売条件などの取り決めなどを行ってもいました。病院で投薬していただき風邪症状緩和のため11/11-12日にかけては丸１日ほとんど外出していませんが、その翌日11/13は反動でなんと18,000歩ほどの移動になっていた。さらに思わぬ結果で未体験だったJR新川駅ーJR琴似駅までの移動も体験することができて新鮮でもありました。
　ということでクルマのある常識感覚と、クルマのない未体験ゾーンの両方を行ったり来たり。
　しかし体調不良も相俟って、クルマのない生活の辛さはよく理解できました。クルマのある暮らしぶりが基本身についているので、そういう常識感覚で予定を立ててしまう、そのギャップでもあるでしょう。
　現代人には欠かせない移動の自由を保障してくれる事実が骨身に染みた。わが家は札幌地下鉄・琴似駅まで徒歩10分、JR琴似駅まで20分ほどの立地条件ですが、やはり堪えますね。首都圏など大都市圏のみなさんの「健脚」ぶりに脱帽させられます。
　さて残りの６日間どう暮らせるか。案件多数だった今週に比べてマシかなぁ・・・ふーむ、さて？。
　＜写真はしずかな初冬のたたずまいの散歩道風景＞

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[Rediscovering Life Without a Car in the Modern Age]
I had naively thought this might just be a trial period for living without a car (sob). It’s become painfully clear just how deeply I’d become accustomed to the freedom and comfort of driving. …

　Last week, on November 5, I was hit by a deer while driving home from southern Hokkaido. I managed to get back safely by driving with extreme caution, and the very next day, November 6, I dropped off the damaged car at the Honda dealership—it’s been a full week since then.
　During that time, I basically lived without a car.
　Deep down, I was curious to see what kind of changes this would bring—I felt a sense of adventure venturing into uncharted territory. Since I’ve already chosen my next car and it’s scheduled for delivery on November 20, I figured I’d take it easy—after all, I’m getting on in years.
　Just then, my wife started showing cold symptoms and was mostly confined to bed, and I caught the bug too, leaving me feeling under the weather for two full days.
　On Sunday, November 8, there was a funeral and memorial service for an acquaintance in Iwamizawa City, about an hour from Sapporo, so I rented a car for the day. I used the car to run errands for daily necessities and groceries, and even made a day trip to a hot spring—it really came in handy.
　I took taxis for hospital visits and other errands. Given my health, I asked for permission to participate in meetings via Zoom whenever possible, and since there was a risk of the flu, I also asked business clients to reschedule their appointments—it was a hectic and challenging time.　
　The day before yesterday, November 12, both my wife and I had recovered somewhat, so we went to the car dealership together to finalize the terms of the sale. After receiving medication at the hospital to alleviate my cold symptoms, I stayed indoors almost the entire time on November 11 and 12. However, the very next day, November 13, I ended up walking about 18,000 steps—a bit of a rebound effect. As an unexpected bonus, I also got to experience the journey from JR Shinkawa Station to JR Kotoni Station for the first time, which was a refreshing change.
So, I’ve been going back and forth between the “normal” routine of having a car and the uncharted territory of life without one.
　However, combined with feeling under the weather, I really came to understand just how tough life without a car can be. Since I’m so used to a lifestyle centered around a car, I tend to plan my schedule based on that “common sense”—and I suppose that’s part of the gap I’m feeling.
　I felt deep in my bones just how essential the freedom of movement is for modern people. My home is located about a 10-minute walk from the Sapporo Subway’s Kotoni Station and about a 20-minute walk from JR Kotoni Station, but it really takes a toll. I take my hat off to the “sturdy legs” of people living in major metropolitan areas like the Tokyo metropolitan area.
Well, how will I manage for the remaining six days? Maybe it’ll be a little easier compared to this week, which was packed with projects… Hmm, we’ll see.

● Announcement
My book, “Writers and Living Spaces,” has been published as an e-book by Gentosha.
Available on Amazon.

　

　

Posted on 11月 14th, 2026 by 三木 奎吾
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【円空仏に祈るいっとき。ムリせず会議もZoom参加で】


　写真は先日のシカ激突事故前に参観していた道南・上ノ国の円空仏。
　「円空作十一面観音菩薩立像」で、上ノ国町の「旧笹浪家住宅」収蔵。北海道指定有形文化財（有形第31号）。全長149.9cm　江戸時代（1666年）道内で最も大きく唯一の十一面観音菩薩。明治初期の神仏分離で棄却の運命に遭ったが、長谷川喜平太によって難を逃れ「きへだの観音様」と言い伝えられていた、という。
　札幌からは遠い日本海岸・江差の南の上ノ国ですが、円空さん、この地を訪れて作仏していたのですね。1666年作なので、北前船も後の世ほどには行き来がなかった。ニシンが日本社会全体に影響を及ぼし始めたのは1700年代初期からとされるので、円空（1632〜1695年）の生涯と掛け合わせてみると、活況を呈した時期の来訪ではない。
　Wikiによると1666年1月青森・弘前藩の城下を追われる。『津軽藩日記』寛文6年正月29日条や北海道に分布する円空仏の背銘によれば、同年春には円空は青森地域経由で蝦夷地の松前にへ渡っている〜との記述。
　江戸期の人間の生き方、芸術に惹かれていた人間としてこのような「作仏」をなりわいとして生きるということ。その作風が後世に評価されて「円空仏」という芸術評価を受けるに至ったけれど、芸術で食べて行くということはこの時代では作仏行為が必然だったのでしょう。
　美濃国で生まれた円空さんは30代の壮年期に北海道に来て遊行僧として北海道から畿内に渡る範囲を行脚した。現在確認されている円空作品分布は愛知県の3241体が最多で、岐阜県の1684体、埼玉県の175体、北海道の51体とされている。その中の２体がこの旧笹浪家住宅にあって参観できた次第。
　上ノ国の城郭跡・勝山館のふもとにある旧笹浪家住宅ですが、1710年代以降にニシン漁景時期に定住した住宅。この円空仏もニシンで成功した地元で「購入」したものなのでしょう。
　・・・夫婦とも胃腸炎っぽいので、接触を避けて病後の回復を期しているところ。用事もZoom参加でおとなしく円空さんの仏像をデジカメ写真で見ながら、静養一択。

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拙書「作家と住空間」幻冬舎から電子書籍で発刊
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English version⬇

[A Moment of Prayer Before an Enku Buddha. Join the Meeting via Zoom Without Pushing Yourself]
An Enku Buddha I encountered in Kaminokuni, in southern Hokkaido. Traces of his visit to Ezo during his days as a wandering artist. A sculpture that touches the heart deeply. …

　This photo shows the Enku Buddha in Kaminokuni, southern Hokkaido, which I had visited just before the recent deer collision accident.
　It is the “Standing Statue of the Eleven-Faced Kannon Bodhisattva by Enku,” housed at the “Former Sasanami Family Residence” in Kaminokuni Town. It is designated as a Hokkaido Tangible Cultural Property (No. 31). Total height: 149.9 cm. Dated to the Edo period (1666), it is the largest and only Eleven-Faced Kannon Bodhisattva statue in Hokkaido. Although it was destined to be discarded during the separation of Shinto and Buddhism in the early Meiji period, it was saved by Kiheita Hasegawa and has been known locally as “Kiheda’s Kannon.”
　Kaminokuni is located south of Esashi on the Sea of Japan coast, quite a distance from Sapporo, but it seems Enku actually visited this area to create this statue. Since it was created in 1666, the Kitamae ships were not traveling back and forth as frequently as they would in later years. It is said that herring began to have an impact on Japanese society as a whole from the early 1700s, so when we consider this in relation to Enku’s (1632–1695) lifetime, his visit did not occur during the period when trade was at its peak.
　According to Wikipedia, in January 1666, he was expelled from the castle town of the Hirosaki Domain in Aomori. Entries in the *Tsugaru Domain Diary* dated the 29th day of the first month of Kanbun 6, as well as inscriptions on the backs of Enku statues found throughout Hokkaido, indicate that by the spring of that same year, Enku had traveled via the Aomori region to Matsumae in Ezo.
　As someone fascinated by the way of life and art of the Edo period, he made a living by creating Buddhist statues. Although his artistic style came to be recognized by later generations as “Enkū-style Buddhist statues,” making a living through art in that era likely meant that the act of sculpting Buddhist statues was a necessity.
　Born in Mino Province, Enku came to Hokkaido in his thirties and traveled as a wandering monk, making pilgrimages from Hokkaido to the Kinai region. The current confirmed distribution of Enku’s works shows that Aichi Prefecture has the largest number with 3,241 statues, followed by Gifu Prefecture with 1,684, Saitama Prefecture with 175, and Hokkaido with 51. Two of these statues are housed in this former Sasanami Family Residence, where I was able to view them.
　The former Sasanami Family Residence, located at the foot of Katsuyama Castle—the ruins of a castle in Kaminokuni—is a house where the family settled during the herring fishing boom beginning in the 1710s. These Enku Buddhist statues were likely “purchased” locally by the family after they had made their fortune from herring.
　…Since both my spouse and I seem to have viral gastroenteritis, we’re avoiding contact with others and focusing on our recovery. I’m handling my errands via Zoom and quietly resting, looking at photos of Enku’s Buddhist statues on my digital camera—rest is my only option right now.

● Announcement
My book, “Writers and Living Spaces,” has been published as an e-book by Gentosha.
Available on Amazon.

　

Posted on 11月 13th, 2026 by 三木 奎吾
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【クルマがないときに限って「移動」の必要が高まる（泣）】


　写真は先日の函館行きで見物していた「香雪園」の紅葉ぶり。
　このドライブ旅からの帰り道、八雲IC付近でシカと激突して、クルマが使用不全になってしまった。
　最近は「ウォーキング」を一生懸命にやっているし、ふだんの移動範囲は買い物程度なのでまぁそこそこしのげるのではないかと思っていましたが、そういうときに限っていろいろ難題が降ってくる。
　昨日は夫婦とも体調不良があって、それぞれ病院で診察を受けていた。それ自体は病院でクスリ処方されて改善してきているのですが、加減がよくわからないので、ちょっと体調下降。
　わたしは本日所用があるので、出掛けることになりますが、まぁ大人しくしていようと思っています。
　一気に冬化粧してきて、どうも体調が追いついていませんね。
　あ、移動はタクシー一択。クルマは11/20前後にセットアップされてくるということ。
　ということで、本日は「毎日更新」の基本目的だけを果たすブログになります。なにとぞ、ご容赦のほどよろしくお願い申し上げます。

●お知らせ
拙書「作家と住空間」幻冬舎から電子書籍で発刊
お求めはAmazonで。
https://amzn.asia/d/eUiv9yO

English version⬇

[It’s always when I don’t have a car that I need to get around the most (sob)]
I feel so pathetic being sick like this. Just when I don’t have a car, the need to get around suddenly skyrockets. I’ll just take it easy and keep a close eye on how I’m feeling…

　The photo shows the autumn foliage at “Koseien,” which I visited during my recent trip to Hakodate.
On the way back from that road trip, I collided head-on with a deer near the Yakumo Interchange, and my car was totaled.
Lately, I’ve been walking a lot, and since my usual travels are limited to running errands, I thought I’d be able to manage just fine—but it’s always at times like this that all sorts of problems seem to pile up.
　Yesterday, both my spouse and I weren’t feeling well, so we each went to the hospital for checkups. We’ve been prescribed medication and are starting to feel better, but since we’re not quite sure how to pace ourselves, we’re feeling a bit under the weather again.
　I have some errands to run today, so I’ll be heading out, but I plan to take it easy.
　Winter has arrived all at once, and my body just can’t keep up.
　Oh, and a taxi is my only option for getting around. The car is scheduled to be ready around November 20.
So, today’s blog post will simply fulfill the basic goal of “daily updates.” I sincerely ask for your understanding.

● Announcement
My book, “Writers and Living Spaces,” has been published as an e-book by Gentosha.
Available on Amazon.

Posted on 11月 12th, 2026 by 三木 奎吾
Filed under: 未分類 | No Comments »

【アナログへの郷愁が募る「WEBシステム」不調】


　依頼を受けた「ご奉公案件」への対応を進めながら、同時にビジネスの整理整頓作業も進めています。
　昨日はある「行動制約」になっていた件について「壊れた輪」を修繕していました。
　わたしは出張時のホテル予約でリクルート社のひとつのWEB事業「じゃらん」をよく利用していました。それがあるトラブルで使用不可になっていたのですが、それを復活させることができました。
　トラブルは、予約していたある宿泊施設が直前になって予定変更せざるを得ず、やむなくキャンセルの連絡を電話で入れたのですが、どうも正常にWEBシステムに反映されずに「不泊」、それも無断だったという処理になってしまっていたのですね。
　昨日その宿泊施設に電話連絡を入れて経緯を話したところ、間違いなくキャンセルされていたと証言された。で、じゃらんへのシステム補正の連絡対応を依頼したところ、それはできないという返事。どうもホテル紹介システムとしていまは、じゃらんと疎遠断絶になっているという様子。「お客様ご自身でお願いします」という対応。
　ラチが開かないので、じゃらんのそういう苦情処理対応窓口をHPで探したのですが、まったく見つからない。しかたなく件の宿泊施設でじゃらんの「窓口電話番号」を問い合わせたら、１回目には違う紹介サイトの番号を伝えられた。う〜む、であります。再度確認させてじゃらんの窓口をようやく知らされた。
　すぐに電話で連絡したが、こちらは機械音声対応でなかなか人間言語での窓口に繋がらない。やむなく「保留」にしていたら約１時間後に連絡がついた。
　経緯を説明して、そこからもしばしのやり取りがあってようやくじゃらんから先方の宿泊施設に確認させることができた。そのじゃらんと宿泊施設の打合せ・問題解決にも、１時間ほどかかってようやくわたしのケータイにじゃらんから連絡が入って、誤解がすべて氷解して、わたしはサイトを利用再開できることになった次第。
　なんやかやでトータル３時間近い復元所要時間でした。
　WEB時代らしい便利なシステムですが、いったん不具合が発生したら非常に不便なものだと言うことを実感することができました。人間のケアレスミスをシステム的に補修することは非常に難しい。
　はやくもバブル崩壊といわれるイマドキのAIも、さてどうなのか？

●お知らせ
拙書「作家と住空間」幻冬舎から電子書籍で発刊
お求めはAmazonで。
https://amzn.asia/d/eUiv9yO

English version⬇

[“Web Systems” Malfunctioning as Nostalgia for the Analog Era Grows]
Alerts are sounding that the AI bubble may be bursting, as if in tandem with the Trump administration’s transition into a lame-duck period. It’s worth considering what would happen if these systems were to fail…

　While working on the “commissioned projects” I’ve been asked to handle, I’m also moving forward with organizing and streamlining my business operations.
Yesterday, I was fixing a “broken loop” related to an issue that had been acting as a “constraint on my actions.”
I used to frequently use “Jalan,” one of Recruit’s web services, to book hotels when traveling on business. It had become unusable due to a technical issue, but I was able to get it working again.
　The problem arose when I had to change my plans at the last minute for a reservation at a certain lodging facility. I had no choice but to call and cancel, but for some reason, the cancellation wasn’t properly reflected in the web system. Instead, it was processed as a “no-show”—and worse, one without prior notice.
　Yesterday, I called the lodging facility and explained the situation, and they confirmed that the cancellation had indeed been processed. So, I asked them to contact Jalan to correct the system error, but they replied that they couldn’t do that. It seems that, as a hotel booking platform, they’ve now severed ties with Jalan. Their response was, “Please handle this yourself.”
Since I wasn’t getting anywhere, I searched Jalan’s website for a customer service hotline to handle such complaints, but couldn’t find one at all. With no other choice, I asked the accommodation in question for Jalan’s “customer service phone number,” but the first time I called, they gave me the number for a different booking site. Hmm… After asking them to check again, I was finally given the number for Jalan’s customer service.
　I called immediately, but the line was automated, and I couldn’t get through to a live representative for quite some time. With no other choice, I stayed on hold, and after about an hour, I finally got through.
　I explained the situation, and after some back-and-forth, I was finally able to get Jalan to contact the accommodation provider. The coordination and problem-solving between Jalan and the accommodation provider took about another hour, and finally, I received a call from Jalan on my cell phone. All misunderstandings were cleared up, and I was able to resume using the site.
All in all, it took nearly three hours to get everything back on track.
　While it’s a convenient system typical of the internet age, I realized firsthand just how inconvenient it can be once a glitch occurs. It’s extremely difficult to systematically compensate for human error.
Even today’s AI, which some are already calling the “burst of the bubble,” leaves me wondering—just how reliable is it, really?

● Announcement
My book, “Writers and Living Spaces,” has been published as an e-book by Gentosha.
Available on Amazon.

Posted on 11月 11th, 2026 by 三木 奎吾
Filed under: 未分類 | No Comments »

【気候変動の時代、住への志向はどう推移するか？】


　昨日は地域工務店の「高断熱高気密」運動の北海道における中核的メンバーの知人（個人的に「戦友」とでも呼べるひとりと認識）の葬送について書きましたが、本州以南地域では依然としてこうした「流れ」に強い市場合理性があり続けるのだろうと思います。
　この住宅性能高度化「運動」は、北海道内では行政の側も独自にそれを支援し、加速させる戦略を実行してきたと思います。日本民族が本格的に北海道という積雪寒冷地で「どう生きて行くか」という根本命題と立ち向かい、そのキーポイントを「高断熱高気密」推進と見定めてきた。これは歴史的にも高く評価されるべき大きな足跡だと思います。とくに、建築工法として日本の技術システムが持ち続けてきた木造在来工法を加速度的に進化させたことは特筆されるべき実績でしょう。
　昨今、気候変動が全地球規模で危機的に進行する中で、この積雪寒冷地の建築技術は、冬を暖かく、夏をクールに過ごす基本環境を提供してきたことは間違いない。
　ことし顕著に表れたヨーロッパ大陸での「灼熱化」は、フランスの暴動の引き金にまでなってしまっていた。教育環境、高校の室内環境を異常な高温が襲って、反発した高校生の「環境改善」要求が暴動の起点になったことは間違いがない。そのことの推移は見守っていくしかない。
　一方で、世界に誇る日本の「冷房」技術、機器進化は大きな混乱も見せずに機能してきている。わが家の近隣の中学校でも最近、冷房機器が装置工事されていた。　
　幸いにしてことしの日本全体の地上の気温状況は大きな変動を見せたとは言えないけれど、最近の環境省からの情報では、日本周辺の海、その中身は巨大な変動を見せていると言われている。
　住宅建築としては、こういう気候変動への耐性を強靱化させることが必要。気候変動への柔軟な対応力が不可欠になるのだろう。高断熱高気密化というあゆみが、次代の守護になって欲しいと願う。
　・・・さてそういう中で、北に暮らす日本人としていわば「生活デザイン」は、今後どのように進化していくのだろうか？　写真は大好きな函館・香雪園の様子。花鳥風月という日本人のこころの「骨格」が、今後、どのように北の地で進化発展していくのか？

●お知らせ
拙書「作家と住空間」幻冬舎から電子書籍で発刊
お求めはAmazonで。
https://amzn.asia/d/eUiv9yO

English version⬇

[In the Age of Climate Change, How Will Attitudes Toward Housing Evolve?]
“Climate change”—a phenomenon that has even sparked riots in Europe. From building higher-performance structures to enhance resilience against it, to evolving the Japanese spiritual framework of “flowers, birds, wind, and moon”—how will this evolve? …

　Yesterday, I wrote about the funeral of an acquaintance—a core member of the “High Thermal Insulation, High Air Tightness” movement led by local construction companies in Hokkaido (someone I personally consider a “comrade-in-arms”)—but I believe that in regions south of Honshu, there will continue to be strong market resistance to this “trend.”
　I believe that within Hokkaido, the government has also independently implemented strategies to support and accelerate this “movement” to enhance housing performance. The Japanese people have seriously confronted the fundamental question of “how to live” in the snowy, cold climate of Hokkaido and have identified the promotion of “high thermal insulation and airtightness” as the key to that challenge. I believe this represents a significant achievement that deserves high historical recognition. In particular, the rapid evolution of traditional Japanese timber-frame construction—a building method that has long been a cornerstone of Japan’s technical system—is an accomplishment worthy of special mention.
　Recently, as climate change has progressed to a critical level on a global scale, there is no doubt that this architectural technology for snowy, cold regions has provided the basic environment for staying warm in winter and cool in summer.
　The “scorching heat” that became particularly evident on the European continent this year even triggered riots in France. There is no doubt that abnormally high temperatures struck educational environments—specifically, the indoor environments of high schools—and that high school students’ demands for “environmental improvements,” born out of this frustration, served as the spark for the riots. We can only wait and see how this situation unfolds.
　On the other hand, Japan’s world-renowned “air conditioning” technology and equipment have continued to function without major disruptions. Even at the junior high school near my home, air conditioning units were recently installed.　
　Fortunately, while this year’s surface temperatures across Japan as a whole have not shown significant fluctuations, recent information from the Ministry of the Environment indicates that the seas surrounding Japan—and the conditions within them—are undergoing massive changes.
　In residential construction, it is necessary to strengthen resilience against such climate change. The ability to adapt flexibly to climate change will likely become indispensable. I hope that the progress toward high insulation and airtight construction will serve as a safeguard for the next generation.
　…So, against this backdrop, as a Japanese person living in the north, how will “lifestyle design,” so to speak, evolve in the future? The photo shows a scene from Kōsetsuen in Hakodate, a place I love dearly. How will the “backbone” of the Japanese spirit—the appreciation of nature’s beauty (hana-chō-fū-getsu)—evolve and develop in the northern regions going forward?

● Announcement
My book, “Writers and Living Spaces,” has been published as an e-book by Gentosha.
Available on Amazon.
　
　

Posted on 11月 10th, 2026 by 三木 奎吾
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【平和な時代 ひとりの「戦友」との別離を超えて】


　先週、その訃報を知って驚かされていた知人。
　最近の「葬儀」形式とは、いかにもな「社葬」的な重厚スタイルではなく、近親者での葬儀を経て交友関係のわかれは、別途「お別れ会」が催されるケースが増えている。「香典・供花は固くご辞退。服装も普段着」なのが一般的。たしかに合理的で世情・人情に適っているでしょう。
　わたしは住宅建築の世界はまったくの異邦人として無謀に挑戦し、ユーザー接点をメディアとして創っていた。そのスタートをしながら後付け的に人脈を作って行った人間。なんとも無謀な挑戦型の「第１次」人生。あくまでユーザーとして「いい家」を志向する立場が第一。それが大前提でそこから「人脈開拓」するのが、むしろ興味津々だった。
　住宅の作り手とのそういう出会いの中で、出会ってきた中でも相性が良かったのだと思います。
　なんですが昨日、その会でBGMが流れる中「祭壇」的な一角で顔写真と対面させられたとき、向かい合う写真から「オーラ風」が突風のように吹き向かってきていた。・・・なんとも。
　武部英治氏。いろいろな住宅建築関係の会合で付き合いが深かった人物。
　・・・しかし、かれはわたしより学年は１つ下。「まさか、こんな早くオレが送らされるのかよ」という内語。その内語を持ちながら対面した瞬間の「突風」感。先日の倉本聰さんの「送り」の写真と出会ったときにも感じていた「風」感覚。まぁ別にオカルトではなく、たぶん心理的ななにかの作用でそのように感じたということなのでしょう。高齢期になってさまざまな「別離」が重なってくると、特異な「心的領域」が育ってくるのかも知れません。要研究。わたしは家・建物への興味から「家系」のようなこころの領域の方に向かってきている。いわば高齢期の「もう一回生きられるとしたら」やりたいことへ挑戦中。
　写真はかれの「自邸」の外観の一部。会が行われた武部建設さんの「結ホール」と同じ敷地内に建てられている。死期の迫っていたかれは、この自宅の窓から目の前のナナカマドを見つめていたらしい。
　わたし的には不思議と長渕剛「とんぼ」のメロディが残響していた。わたしたち年代にはこういうBGMもなにかを強く「伝えて」来るようにもなるのでしょうね。　合掌。

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[In Times of Peace: Moving Beyond the Parting from a “Comrade-in-Arms”]
The moment I saw the photo, I felt a sudden “gush of wind.” Is this a psychological sensation that arises when one encounters the death of another? There was also a lingering sense of a chant-like melody in the background music…

　An acquaintance of mine was taken by surprise last week upon hearing the news of his passing.
　These days, funerals are increasingly moving away from the solemn, “corporate funeral”-style ceremonies of the past. Instead, after a private service for close family, a separate “farewell gathering” is often held for friends and acquaintances. It’s now common practice to “strictly decline condolence money and floral tributes” and to “wear casual attire.” This approach is certainly practical and in tune with the times and human nature.
　As a complete outsider to the world of residential construction, I took on the challenge recklessly, using my direct contact with users as a platform. I was the kind of person who started out that way and built my professional network as an afterthought. It was a truly reckless, challenge-driven “first” phase of my life. My primary stance was always that of a user seeking a “good home.” With that as my fundamental premise, I found it fascinating to build my professional network from there.
　Among the encounters I had with home builders, I believe we were particularly well-suited.
　However, yesterday at that gathering, as background music played, I was placed face-to-face with his portrait in a “altar-like” corner—and from the photo across from me, an “aura-like” force blew toward me like a gust of wind. …It was quite something.
　Mr. Eiji Takebe. A person with whom I had developed a deep relationship through various residential construction gatherings.
　…Yet he was one grade younger than me. “No way—am I really the one being sent off this soon?” I thought to myself. That sense of a “gust of wind” struck me the moment I faced his portrait, even as I harbored that inner thought. It was the same sensation of “wind” I’d felt the other day when I came across the photo of Satoshi Kuramoto’s “send-off.” Well, it’s not exactly occult—it was probably just some psychological effect that made me feel that way. Perhaps as one enters old age and various “partings” begin to pile up, a unique “psychological realm” begins to develop. This warrants further study. Driven by my interest in homes and buildings, I’ve been moving toward a mental realm akin to “family lineage.” In a sense, I’m taking on the challenges of what I’d want to do in my later years—the things I’d do “if I could live my life all over again.”
　The photo shows a portion of the exterior of his “private residence.” It’s built on the same grounds as Takebe Construction’s “Yui Hall,” where the gathering took place. As his end drew near, he apparently used to gaze out the window of this home at the mountain ash tree right in front of him.
　For some reason, the melody of Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi’s “Tonbo” kept echoing in my mind. I suppose for people of our generation, background music like this also comes to “convey” something deeply to us.　I bow my hands in prayer.

● Announcement
My book, “Writers and Living Spaces,” has been published as an e-book by Gentosha.
Available on Amazon.

　
　
　
　

Posted on 11月 9th, 2026 by 三木 奎吾
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【庶民史に脚光、欧米の「ルーツ」ヒストリー市場規模】


　クルマがわが家から一時消滅して、さっそくに札幌は本格的降雪。
　まずは除雪用のツール類を常時使用状態に復元させる作業。また冬用の履物類や服装品などの整理整頓を至急で迫られた後、気合いを入れて家周辺の除雪作業に向かっていました。
　・・・しばし40-50分間。夏場の散歩中心の運動とはまったく違う「力仕事」感が襲ってきた（笑）。わが家の除雪面積は約30坪ですが、カラダ的には「泥の汗」。運動「歩数」は2,500歩でしたが「おおむね３倍」とされる換算指数に強い納得感でした。
　入浴してさっぱりした後、歩数増加を目指して散歩しようとしたのですが、いきなりで冬靴とは言え、路面が滑りやすいし疲労感もあって早々に中止判断。
　その後、昼過ぎには「家系史研究」の碩学・岸本良信氏と知り合える「家系図サロン」開催の札幌市中央区民センターに向かいました。早めに到着して初対面ごあいさつを思ったのですが、やはり足下が悪く、また先生（と記述します）の到着も午後２時直前だったのでほんの目礼程度。ただ、先生も事前のメール連絡で興味を持っていただいていたようで、たいへんありがたい受け止めでした。
　写真はサロンでの発表の一部。札幌在住の歴史作家・石村博子氏の取材旅行で直近の８月に行われたサハリンツアーの様子が、サロン中心メンバーの実弟の方から紹介されたもの。戦争中の独裁国家・ロシアに向かう経緯から平和な日本の「常識」と彼の地の戦時体制とのあつれきが端々から窺われた。拘束されている北海道新聞記者の一件にも関わっている様子も。実際に記者さんと一行は面談されたとの報告。・・・
　なかなかリアルタイム的な深層情報に接した次第。
　一方、サロン後は岸本先生に呼び止められ、わたしの持参した資料（兄がまとめたわが家家系の本）をお渡しし、さらにルーツ探索という事業「領域」の世界の現在状況を伺わさせていただいた。日本と世界、欧米では「30年」くらいの時間差とのこと。とくにアメリカでは数千億〜兆円レベルのルーツ探索「市場」がすでに成立している。対して日本はまことに牛歩の感とのこと。
　さらに先生のお宅とわが家はごく近接していることも帰り道同道で確認できました（笑）。これは興味深い「由縁」が感じられた（笑）。さて？

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[Spotlight on the History of Ordinary People: The “Roots” History Market]
In Europe and the United States—societies characterized by vibrant “interaction” among diverse ethnic groups—there exists an “information market” worth trillions of yen, fueled by people’s interest in exploring their “roots.” This is an area with significant future potential. …

　Just as my car temporarily disappeared from our home, Sapporo was immediately hit by a full-blown snowstorm.
　First, I had to get all my snow removal tools back into working order. After being forced to urgently organize my winter footwear and clothing, I mustered up my determination and set out to clear the snow around the house.
　…It took about 40–50 minutes. I was suddenly hit by a sense of “hard physical labor”—completely different from the exercise I get from my summer walks (lol). The area I had to clear around my house is about 30 tsubo, but physically, I was drenched in “muddy sweat.” My “step count” for the workout was 2,500 steps, but I was completely convinced by the conversion index that says this is “roughly three times” the equivalent of walking.
　After taking a refreshing bath, I tried to go for a walk to increase my step count, but even though I was wearing winter boots, the roads were slippery, and I was feeling fatigued, so I decided to call it quits early.
　Later, just past noon, I headed to the Chuo Ward Community Center in Sapporo, where a “Family Tree Salon” was being held—an event where I’d have the chance to meet Mr. Yoshinobu Kishimoto, a leading scholar in “family history research.” I arrived early, intending to greet him upon our first meeting, but the ground was indeed treacherous, and since Professor Kishimoto (as I’ll refer to him) didn’t arrive until just before 2:00 p.m., we only exchanged a brief nod. However, it seemed he had taken an interest in the event based on our prior email correspondence, which I was very grateful for.
　The photo shows part of the presentation at the salon. A core member of the salon—Professor Kishimoto’s younger brother—presented details of a tour of Sakhalin that took place this past August as part of a research trip by Sapporo-based historical writer Hiroko Ishimura. From the circumstances leading up to the trip to Russia—a dictatorship during the war—the narrative revealed, in every detail, the friction between the “common sense” of peaceful Japan and the wartime regime there. It also appeared to be connected to the case of the Hokkaido Shimbun reporter who is currently being detained. We were told that Professor Kishimoto and his group actually met with the reporter. …
　I found myself exposed to some quite timely, in-depth information.
　Meanwhile, after the salon, Professor Kishimoto stopped me. I handed him the materials I had brought (a book on our family lineage compiled by my older brother) and asked him about the current state of the “field” of genealogy research. He mentioned that there is a time lag of about “30 years” between Japan and the rest of the world, particularly the West. In the United States, in particular, a genealogy “market” worth hundreds of billions to trillions of yen has already taken shape. In contrast, he remarked that Japan’s progress feels like a snail’s pace.
　Furthermore, as we walked home together, we confirmed that his house and mine are actually very close to each other (laughs). I sensed an interesting “connection” in this (laughs). Well then?

● Announcement
My book, *Writers and Living Spaces*, has been published as an e-book by Gentosha.
Available on Amazon.

Posted on 11月 8th, 2026 by 三木 奎吾
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【さて、現代人の「終のクルマ」選択かなぁ？】


　写真は、シカ激突事故を受けて愛車「Vezel」から取りだした奈良・春日大社の「交通安全」神札。
　昨日は、事故現場の八雲町から事故車に乗って慎重運転で帰って来た疲労感を持ちつつ、HONDA店舗で事故車の「修理概算見積」など受けながら、今後の方針を検討・話合いしておりました。
　これまで乗っていたクルマはこの店舗で購入していたので、そのときに話し合っていた選択ポイントなども交え、今後のクルマ選びの方針を話し合うことが出来た次第。
　まずは物損状況について「電話通話より想像以上。よく帰られましたね」とのメーカー見解。
　で、概算見積でほぼ「修理」のレベルを超える額が示されていた。
　ユーザー側としてはメーカー販売店の見解として受け入れるのが自然。その車種の機能復元させる常識的な範囲の費用感なのでしょう。「直して乗り続ける」ことは選択から早々に外れた。
　そこで次に迫られてくるのが「次のクルマ選び」であります。
　自分でも年齢を考えれば自然と「どうすっかなぁ？」であります（笑）。ビジネス的には事業譲渡した立場として、そう活発な動きをするわけではない。わたしは「営業」的な仕事がネイティブなので活発に人脈交流を追求してきたのですが、そういう目的性はほぼ消えている。
　総走行距離計算から年間走行は約16,500kmほど。１日40-50kmがクルマの実走行距離。
　現代人は「クルマ社会人類」としての人生を生きてきた。そういう実相の数字を見返させられた次第。
　さて、そういう人類が今後とも活発に動き回れるかどうか、よくわからない高齢化の未来に対しての予測投資、というのが直面する選択かなぁと。自分事としてクルマへの判断を迫られることになった。
　「終のクルマ選び」みたいなことか？
　わたしは本州以南にもよく行きますが、そのとき降雪地域以外では燃費とETC料金を考えて軽自動車レンタカーを乗り回しています。本州の狭い道幅に大型車は不適格だと。
　とくに先人の暮らし・旅ぶりとの「会話」は軽自動車での体感がふさわしいと考えます。しかし一方、北海道地元では雪の問題もあってそうはいかない。
　・・・などなど話合い検討して、一定の結論に。
　クルマはあらたな選択購入に。それまでの時間は健脚で元気に乗り越えたい。
　さて、春日大社のお守り。ありがたみにしみじみと気付かされております（笑）。

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[So, I wonder if this is the “final car” choice for people today?]
I casually bought this traffic safety charm when I visited Kasuga Grand Shrine. I was reminded of its existence all over again when I was “taking it off” my car (lol). Thanks to it…

　The photo shows a “Traffic Safety” amulet from Kasuga Taisha Shrine in Nara that I retrieved from my beloved “Vezel” after a collision with a deer.
Yesterday, still feeling exhausted from driving back carefully in the damaged car from Yakumo Town—the site of the accident—I visited a Honda dealership to receive a “preliminary repair estimate” for the vehicle and discuss our next steps.
　Since I had purchased my previous car at this dealership, we were able to discuss my future car-selection strategy, incorporating the key considerations we’d discussed back then.
　First, regarding the extent of the property damage, the manufacturer’s assessment was, “It’s worse than I imagined from our phone call. You did well to make it back.”
　And the preliminary estimate showed a figure that was well beyond what would be considered a “repair.”
　From the customer’s perspective, it’s only natural to accept this as the manufacturer’s dealer’s assessment. It’s likely a reasonable estimate for the cost of restoring that model’s functionality to normal. The option of “fixing it and continuing to drive it” was ruled out early on.
　So, the next pressing issue is “choosing my next car.”
Given my age, I naturally find myself wondering, “What should I do?” (laughs). From a business perspective, having transferred my business operations, I’m not exactly taking very active steps. While “sales” work is second nature to me—and I’ve actively pursued networking for that purpose—that sense of purpose has all but vanished.
Based on my total mileage, my annual driving distance is about 16,500 km. My actual daily driving distance is 40–50 km.
　Modern people have lived their lives as part of a “car-dependent society.” These figures have really made me take a fresh look at that reality.
　So, I suppose the choice I’m facing is a kind of “investing in the future”—speculating on an aging society where it’s unclear whether people like us will still be able to get around actively. I’ve been forced to make a personal decision about my next car.
　Is this something like “choosing my final car”?
　I often travel south of Honshu, and when I’m outside snowy regions, I drive a kei car rental, keeping fuel economy and ETC tolls in mind. Large vehicles simply aren’t suited for Honshu’s narrow roads.
　In particular, I believe that experiencing life in a kei car is the best way to “connect” with how our ancestors lived and traveled. However, back in my hometown in Hokkaido, the snow makes that impossible.
　…After discussing and considering all these points, we’ve reached a certain conclusion.
　We’ll purchase a new car. Until then, I want to get through this time with my strong legs and plenty of energy.
　Now, about the amulet from Kasuga Grand Shrine—I’m deeply realizing just how precious it is (laughs).

● Announcement
My book, “Writers and Living Spaces,” has been published as an e-book by Gentosha.
Available on Amazon.

　

Posted on 11月 7th, 2026 by 三木 奎吾
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【国道277号熊石から八雲IC直前でシカと衝突事故】



　いやぁ、まったく避けられないこともあるのですね、シカとの激突事故。
　昨日は道南の紅葉旅から札幌までのクルマでの帰路。結局往復で900kmほどの旅でしたが、行きが余市〜ニセコ経由で黒松内ICから道央道なので、帰りは日本海側、江差方面を走って旧・熊石から八雲ICから高速に乗るルートを走行。
　で、午後２時頃熊石から雲石峡を抜けて平地に下りて、もうすぐ八雲ICという地点で左側草むらから突然、巨体のシカが目の前に飛び出してきた（！）。
　当方は高齢者ドライバーでもありほぼ制限速度前後の50-60km/時のHONDA-Vezel車両。
　感覚的には突然左から巨体があらわれ、咄嗟にブレーキを踏んだがまったく間に合わず、巨体に対して真横に正面フロント前面側が激突して、シカは前方に横転して右側車線脇にヨコになった。幸い減速できたので前面ガラスへの激突は避けられた。当方は急ブレーキでほぼその衝突位置で緊急停止。
　衝突の瞬間の衝撃波はかなりの重量感で少なくとも体重200kgくらいの感覚だった。丸々と太った巨体。
　シカはその後立ち上がり右手の収穫後の畑地に自力で下りて行って数回こちら方向を見返しながら畑の向こう側の緑地に姿を消した。わたしは「ドラレコ」を付けていないので、写真はWEBからの参考画像。道路写真もGoogleのMapの想定現場の画像です。

　その状況からクルマの状態をチェック。左方前方の照明が破損し、前面の車両ナンバープレートも衝撃で脱落。その奥のプラ部分も飛散してしまっていた。ボンネットも一部が破損していたが、一度開けたら「締まらなくなる」ことが目視的に確認できたので、そのままにして、運転可能かどうか確認したところ、それ自体は問題ない状況。
　そこでHONDAの八雲の店舗に連絡し車両チェックしてもらうことに。カミさんと同行なので同時に保険会社に連絡し、各所と事故処理の連絡応答作業を並行させた。まぁこんな経験は初めてだったけれど、必要な処理作業のあらかたは片付けることができた。
　HONDAの店舗でチャックしてもらってエンジンなど運転走行自体には支障がないことを確認。脱落した車両ナンバープレートを応急的にビス留めしてもらい、一路札幌までの200kmを帰還することに。この時期なので午後４時前にはライトを点灯しますが、４つのフロント照明のうち１個は発光できない。
　そういう状況なので高速道路は避け一般道を走行。なかなかに注意が要求される車両状態で緊張感MAXでしたが、なんとか無事に午後６時ころ帰還することができました。
　
　ふと気付いていたのですが、保険会社としては「警察への届出」は特段必要がない、ということも確認。相手が相手なので、そういう対応とのこと。しかし、シカとの衝突事故では予測回避は不可能の場合が多いこともよくわかりました。みなさんもくれぐれもお気を付け下さい。
本日から、本格的に「事故処理・今後の対応」を進めていきたいと思います。

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English version⬇

[Accident Involving a Deer on National Route 277, Just Before the Yakumo Interchange from Kumaiishi]
A sudden, violent collision. It was clear that there was no way to avoid it. A lesson learned. The deer appeared to have survived. Its gaze as it looked back at me was striking. Now, time to handle the aftermath…

　Well, I guess there really are some things you just can’t avoid—like a head-on collision with a deer.
Yesterday, I was driving back to Sapporo from a fall foliage trip in southern Hokkaido. The round trip ended up being about 900 km. Since I’d taken the route from Yoichi to Niseko via the Kuromatsunai Interchange on the Central Hokkaido Expressway on the way there, I decided to take the route along the Sea of Japan coast toward Esashi on the way back, getting on the expressway at the Yakumo Interchange via the former Kumaiishi area.
　So, around 2:00 p.m., after passing through Kumoi Gorge from Kumoi and descending to the flatlands, just as I was about to reach the Yakumo Interchange, a massive deer suddenly leaped out right in front of me from the grassy area on the left (!).
　I’m an elderly driver, and I was in a Honda Vezel traveling at about 50–60 km/h—roughly the speed limit.
　It felt like this massive creature suddenly appeared from the left; I slammed on the brakes instinctively, but it was far too late. The front of my car collided head-on with the deer’s side, and the deer was thrown forward, rolling over and coming to rest on its side next to the right lane. Fortunately, I had managed to slow down, so a direct impact with the windshield was avoided. I came to an emergency stop almost at the exact point of impact due to the sudden braking.
　The shockwave at the moment of impact felt incredibly heavy—at least as if I were hitting something weighing 200 kg. It was a plump, massive creature.
The deer then got back on its feet and walked down on its own into a harvested field on the right, glancing back in my direction several times before disappearing into the greenery beyond the field. Since I don’t have a dashcam, the photo is a reference image from the web. The road photo is also an image from Google Maps showing the presumed scene of the incident.

　Given the situation, I checked the condition of the car. The left front headlight was broken, and the front license plate had fallen off due to the impact. The plastic parts behind it had also shattered. Part of the hood was damaged as well, but I could see just by looking that if I opened it, it “wouldn’t close again,” so I left it as is. When I checked to see if the car was drivable, it turned out to be fine on its own.
　So I contacted the Honda dealership in Yakumo to have the vehicle inspected. Since my wife was with me, I also contacted the insurance company at the same time and handled the back-and-forth communication with all parties regarding the accident settlement in parallel. Well, it was my first time dealing with something like this, but I managed to take care of most of the necessary procedures.
At the Honda dealership, they inspected the vehicle and confirmed that there were no issues with the engine or the vehicle’s drivability. They temporarily secured the detached license plate with screws, and we set off on the 200-kilometer drive back to Sapporo. Since it was this time of year, we turned on our headlights before 4:00 p.m., but one of the four headlights wasn’t working.
Given the situation, we avoided the highway and drove on regular roads. The car’s condition required a great deal of caution, so I was on edge the whole time, but we managed to return safely around 6:00 p.m.
　
　It suddenly occurred to me, and I confirmed that, from the insurance company’s perspective, there was no particular need to “report the incident to the police.” Given the nature of the other party involved, that was their recommended course of action. However, I also came to fully understand that in collisions with deer, it is often impossible to predict and avoid them. Please be very careful, everyone.
Starting today, I plan to move full steam ahead with “accident processing and next steps.”

● Announcement
My book, “Writers and Living Spaces,” has been published as an e-book by Gentosha.
Available on Amazon.

Posted on 11月 6th, 2026 by 三木 奎吾
Filed under: 未分類 | No Comments »

【残り２年間、トランプと世界の付き合い方は？】


　歴史的な大敗でしたね。
　世界を襲った物価高騰を呼んだトランプ政権の数々の打ち手が、アメリカ国内でも未曾有の物価高騰を招き、とくにガソリン価格の上昇からアメリカ国民の反感、政権への憎悪を掻き立てた。民主党が勝ったというよりもトランプ政権がまったく正統性を失ってしまった、というのが事実に近いのでしょう。
　そういう明確な民意が示された。さて、この後世界はどう展開していくのか。
　世界最強の軍事国家であり経済活動の最活性地域であるアメリカの今後の２年間は、民意を完全に失ったトランプの動向と議会勢力のバランスを注視しながら、日本など諸国は付き合って行かざるを得ない。直近では、トランプが議会とどのように付き合うのか最悪の想定もあったなかで「民主党と協力する」という発言・発信があって、当面市場も好感して株式上昇しているという。
　中間選挙でアメリカ国民の意思がここまでハッキリ示されたことで、これまでの流れにひとつの明確な「指針」が見えてきたと思う。それはこれまでトランプ政権・その理不尽と正面から向き合うしかなかったのに対して、議会の多数派・民主党の動向との「複式方程式」で今後は考えるということ。そして民主党の党内情勢も冷静に把握していく必要性があるだろう。とくに共和党は次期大統領選では、トランプへの嫌悪感の充満ぶりから考えてほぼ勝ち目がないなかで、民主党内の動向をしっかりウォッチしていくことが肝要だろう。在アメリカ大使館・外務省や既成メディアのアメリカ特派員などの取材での活躍を期待したい。
　また、従来国連という存在に対しての日本社会の過大評価観も、見直していく必要がある。トランプ政権のひとつの「可視化」実績として、こうした国際機関というものの無力ぶりとひとつ覚え的で慢性的病理としか思われない「旧敵国」への対応ぶりが誰の目にも明らかになったことが挙げられる。
　総じてこういう「臨機応変」な対応力が今後の日本に求められていくのだろう。
　世界が注視していた大きな結節点であった米中間選挙。その結果からの情勢を見つめ続けたい。

　＜写真は活火山の「恵山」山頂部分＞

●お知らせ
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https://amzn.asia/d/eUiv9yO

English version⬇

[How Will the World Deal with Trump Over the Next Two Years?]
A clear “NO” has been delivered to the world’s most powerful leader, who had been a big question mark. We’ll continue to keep an eye on trends in the “will of the American people.” …

　It was a historic defeat.
　The Trump administration’s numerous policies—which triggered the global surge in prices—led to an unprecedented spike in prices within the United States as well, and the rise in gasoline prices, in particular, fueled public resentment and hatred toward the administration. It would be closer to the truth to say that the Trump administration has completely lost its legitimacy rather than simply that the Democrats won.
　That clear expression of public will has been demonstrated. So, how will the world unfold from here?
　For the next two years, the United States—the world’s most powerful military nation and the region with the most dynamic economic activity—will require other countries, such as Japan, to navigate their relationship with it while closely monitoring the actions of Trump, who has completely lost the public’s trust, and the balance of power in Congress. Most recently, amid worst-case scenarios regarding how Trump would deal with Congress, he has made statements indicating he would “cooperate with the Democrats,” and for the time being, the markets have reacted positively, driving stock prices higher.
　Now that the will of the American people has been so clearly demonstrated in the midterm elections, I believe a clear “guideline” has emerged regarding the path forward. Whereas until now we had no choice but to confront the Trump administration and its unreasonable behavior head-on, we must now approach matters through a “system of equations” that takes into account the actions of the Democratic majority in Congress. Furthermore, it will be necessary to calmly assess the internal dynamics within the Democratic Party. In particular, given that the Republican Party has virtually no chance of winning the next presidential election—considering the pervasive aversion to Trump—it will be crucial for them to closely monitor developments within the Democratic Party. I look forward to seeing active reporting from the Japanese Embassy in the U.S., the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and U.S. correspondents for mainstream media outlets.
　Furthermore, Japanese society’s tendency to overestimate the significance of the United Nations must also be reevaluated. One of the Trump administration’s “tangible” achievements has been to make it clear to everyone just how powerless such international organizations are, and how their approach to “former enemy nations”—which appears to be nothing more than a one-trick, chronic pathology—truly is.
　Overall, this kind of “flexible” responsiveness will likely be required of Japan going forward.
　The U.S. midterm elections were a major turning point that the world watched closely. I intend to continue monitoring the situation as it unfolds in light of those results.
　

● Announcement
My book, *Writers and Living Spaces*, has been published as an e-book by Gentosha.
Available on Amazon.

　
　
　

Posted on 11月 5th, 2026 by 三木 奎吾
Filed under: 未分類 | No Comments »

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