This morning in Urasoe, Okinawa, the weather is bright and sunny—typical of midsummer. With temperatures around 28–30°C and high humidity at 80–85%, the air has felt muggy since early morning. During this time of year in Okinawa, strong sunlight and high humidity persist, and our daily routines tend to be influenced by the weather. Today, I’ll be sharing a record of the morning scene near the Minatogawa Foreigners’ Housing Complex and my daily life with my mother.
☀️ Morning Scenery at the Minatogawa Foreigners’ Housing Complex and the Strong Sunlight
I woke up a little early today. Near the Minatogawa Foreigners’ Housing Complex, the sunlight was strong from the morning, and it was hot enough to require a hat or a parasol. A gentle breeze blew, occasionally bringing a rush of cool air, but overall, it was a quiet morning with almost no wind. Although there were quite a few clouds, the sun was strong; the moments when it hid behind the clouds and cast shadows were a welcome respite.
This is a morning view of the Foreigners’ Housing area in Urasoe and Minatogawa. The cherry tree in the garden turned brown from last week’s typhoon. It looks a little withered from the sea breeze.
☕ My Morning Routine and the Aroma of Coffee
When I wake up in the morning, the first thing I do is prepare coffee. I place a filter in the dripper, add the grounds, let them bloom, and slowly pour hot water over them. Once it’s brewed, I add milk and sugar and offer it at my father’s Buddhist altar—that’s my usual morning routine.
I prepared yogurt, frozen fruit, half a melon bread, and instant soup for my mother. She left the bread, but she ate the rest heartily. It puts my mind at ease when she eats well first thing in the morning.
🧓 Preparing for My Mother’s “Vibrant Health Club”
My mother was feeling well today and was eager to go to the “Vibrant Health Club” held on the first floor of our apartment building. Since the exercise and chatting there help her take her mind off things, I hope she enjoys herself.
After my mother left, I had some quiet time to myself for the first time in a while. As I was hanging up the laundry, I heard what sounded like practice for a sports day coming from the elementary school a short distance away, and I felt the lively energy that’s so typical of summer in Okinawa.
🍽️ Meal Preparation for Caregiving and My Concerns
Preparing lunch, helping her eat, reminding her to take her medicine, her nap, snack time, and preparing dinner—the day really flies by.
Lately, there have been more days when I struggle a bit to get her to eat. There are days when she says, “I don’t want to eat,” so I try different approaches and keep an eye on how she’s doing. She’s still able to handle solid foods, but I may need to start mixing in some minced food. I feel that meals are an area of caregiving where things change the most, and it’s where I face the most challenges.
🌺 Small Tips for Living in Okinawa During the Seasons
In the middle of summer in Okinawa, temperatures and humidity are high from the morning onward, so a few simple adjustments in daily life can be helpful.
Take thorough sun protection measures when going out in the morning (hat, parasol, lightweight long-sleeved shirt)
Turn on the dehumidifier indoors early (just lowering the humidity makes a big difference in how hot it feels)
Stay hydrated frequently (older adults often don’t feel thirsty)
Prioritize “ease of eating” for meals (softer textures, smaller portions, and colorful presentations to stimulate appetite)
I hope this is helpful, even just a little, to others providing care in the same area.
🌤 Summary
This morning in Minatogawa was once again filled with strong sunlight and a distinctly summery atmosphere. I was happy to see my mother in good health as she headed to her health club. While the challenges of caregiving are endless, I feel that by recording each day like this, I can begin to see the flow of our daily life more clearly.
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