I'm a Japanese housewife living in Japan. I'm in my 60's. I want to know daily lives in the world, so at first I'll tell my daily. What is your daily life?
A new week has started. Today is our hospital day. We’ll visit ENT and radiology at the hospital, and then two clinics—one for me and one for Yuki. His radiation treatment is finished. His voice is still hoarse, but it’s getting better, and he aspirates less often now. If the ENT doctor approves, he might be able to eat noodles. To tell the truth, he has already started eating them little by little.
Today is also his birthday, so we might celebrate with lunch at a noodle shop.
Yesterday, I participated in an online meeting. The topics are... "Driving"
◆How do you feel about cars? What do you like and dislike about them?
Having our own car is very important in our daily life here in Tochigi. Without a car, it would be very difficult to manage daily activities. In fact, our whole society relies on cars and trucks—even in Tokyo. Without delivery trucks or garbage collection trucks and so on, daily life would not run smoothly. What I like about cars is their convenience.
But at the same time, they give off exhaust that causes global warming. These days, people talk a lot about electric cars, but honestly, I think it’s hard to imagine all cars becoming electric. In Japan, we always have the problem of not having enough electricity.
◆When did you get your first car? Can you describe it?
I had to get a car as soon as I moved to Tochigi in my twenties. My husband and I were both transferred here, though we worked for different companies. He came first, and after I explained the situation to my office, I was also transferred. Since I had already gotten my driver’s license when I was a university student, I was ready to start driving right away.
When we each bought our first cars, we didn’t have much money. My husband got a used car from one of his coworkers, who was a couple of years older and ready to buy a new one. I went to a nearby used-car shop and picked up a compact car. Maybe you don’t know this, but at that time cars used to have spike tires in winter.
◆When did you start driving?
I got my driver’s license as soon as I turned twenty, and I used to drive my friends’ cars sometimes.
◆What do you like to listen to when you are driving?
Nowadays, I like listening to the radio when I’m driving. I especially enjoy MIYA-raji, a local FM station where my freinds often appear.
◆Has your car ever broken down or had a flat tire? What did you do?
I’ve had a flat tire two or three times, but luckily my car could still make it to a gas station, so I never had to call JAF.
I also bumped my car into a utility pole once. Luckily, it made it home, and then I called my car dealer.
◆If you went on a road trip, where would you like to go?
I’d like to go to Hokkaido. When I was in my twenties, I drove around the southern part of Hokkaido. So if I went on a road trip now, I’d like to explore the northern part. Also, if I went by car from here, I would take a ferry from Niigata to Hokkaido. Or I might take the bullet train to Hokkaido and rent a car there.
About an hour ago, I got a message from my friend saying, “I just arrived.” She and I perform together at KARAKU café once a month. Right now, she’s in Aizu for an on-location shoot for a TV drama that will air next spring. She actually has a role—not just as an extra, even though it’s only one scene.
She left here at 4 a.m and drove there. We’re really looking forward to hearing her story about what happens in Aizu.
