This morning in Urasoe, Okinawa, the sky is clear, with temperatures around 30°C and humidity in the 70s—we’re enveloped in a typical midsummer atmosphere. Today’s high is forecast to reach 33°C, and this is the season when sudden showers (katabui) often follow intense sunshine. In Okinawa, where daily rhythms tend to be influenced by the weather, I’ll be documenting the morning scenery in Minatogawa and a glimpse of my daily life caring for my mother.
☀️ The Morning Sky Over Minatogawa and the Start of the Day
The midsummer air is so intense that the moment I wake up, I find myself saying, “It’s hot.” In the distance, the sound of cicadas echoes, and the occasional breeze brings just a hint of coolness. Clouds tower high and mighty, and the sun shines relentlessly down on the ground through the gaps between them. This is the quintessential summer morning scene in Minatogawa, Urasoe, Okinawa.
I ran the washing machine, hung the laundry on the balcony to avoid the strong sunlight, and then went back inside. I called out to my mother once, “Wake up~,” brewed some coffee, prepared some bread, and called out to her again to start breakfast. Today she ate a good portion of bread and a banana, and I started the day feeling relieved.
🧓 My Mother’s Health and the Morning “100-Year-Old Exercise”
My mother has been suffering from migraines for the past few days, repeatedly saying, “My head hurts, I feel sick.” It seems she feels better when she concentrates on something; until recently, she didn’t complain of pain while watching the evening sumo broadcasts, but that’s over now.
Today, she has the “100-Year-Old Exercise” class in the morning, and I hope the mix of exercise and chatting will help take her mind off things. I’d just bought some ripe pineapple at the farmers’ market, so I packed it in a Tupperware container for her to take as a snack. Seasonal fruit is great for hydration and dietary fiber, and I’m always happy when everyone enjoys it together.
🛒 Afternoon Plans and Mom’s Wishes
My mom said she “wants to go shopping and use an ATM” this afternoon, so we’re planning to head to San-A. Since the food court gets packed with kids and grandparents during summer vacation, she said right from the start, “I’m not going to the food court.” She prefers a place with specialty shops lined up where she can sit and relax. In daily caregiving, I feel it’s very important to choose “places where Mom can feel at ease” like this.
🌦️ The Sky Over Minatogawa and Seasonal Living Wisdom
Right now, cumulonimbus clouds are passing by, blocking the sun, and the sky has suddenly turned dark. The temperature has dropped slightly, and there’s a chance of a sudden downpour later. Since the weather in Okinawa tends to change rapidly during the summer, don’t forget to bring a hat, a parasol, and a drink when you go out, and be careful of heatstroke even indoors.
In my daily caregiving routine, my mother’s condition is often affected by the weather, so
- letting her rest in a cool room in the morning
- ensuring she drinks fluids frequently
- and avoiding crowds when going out—these small, season-appropriate adjustments are very helpful.
🌸 Today’s Summary
The morning sky in Minatogawa was once again vibrant and full of summer energy today. While keeping an eye on my mother’s condition, I’d like to make the most of seasonal fruits and exercise time to help her feel as comfortable as possible. The heat continues here in Okinawa, so please take care of yourselves as well.
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