Photos: Junichiro Matsumoto, Acoya Matsumoto, Tsubasa Uno
Happiness is spelled "summer vacation."
That is how much I look forward to "summer vacation," and I find myself murmuring, "Where shall I go?"
Thinking that murmuring won't get me anywhere, I waste no time in making an appointment with the boss in Nishi-Izu.
As soon as I made the appointment, he said, "Uno-chan, I'll be waiting for you!"
But a few days later, he said, "I won't be at Lodge Mondo on August 21st. I'll be performing a live show in Shuzenji." He added, "Plus, the lodging is fully booked. What are you going to do?!" Faced with this unexpected turn of events, I found myself humming a certain song in my bathroom at home.
"We can't do anything about anticipating a pinch♪♪... it says 'Go,'" I sang RADWIMPS' "Grand Escape."
"Yes, a pinch is an opportunity," I said, putting my hands together before crawling into bed.
The next day, a miraculous message arrived from the boss.
"You can make it! First, come to Shuzenji!" So, I hopped on my favorite bicycle, repeating "Grand Escape" in my head over and over again as I traveled the approximately 140km route along National Route 1 from Kakegawa, Shizuoka to Shuzenji, wiping away sweat and taking in the beautiful sights I encountered time and again, steadily moving my pedals and my heart forward.
So, for this summer as well, I went on a location hunt (lol) for "fishing idiots" in Nishi-Izu Town, located on the west coast of the Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka Prefecture—a classic destination for me, Uno-chan—and I would be delighted if readers from adults to children enjoy this article!
Also, I've brought along two of my essential "Utsurundesu" (disposable) cameras and am fully prepared, so I hope you can enjoy the beauty of Nishi-Izu through the photos as well.
I would also love for you to look at the photos taken by the "Boss of Nishi-Izu" and his eldest daughter "Acoya"!
Enjoy!
The Joy of Riding
My heart is already blazing since this morning.
I double-check my belongings, and when it's time to depart, I place both hands on the front and rear tires and close my eyes.
"May I have a safe and fun ride." With just that thought in mind, I set off.
Then, I hear a vibrant voice say, "Can I come play too?!"
Yes, with "Ray-kun," who spent time with us under the same roof at Circles.
His third memorial service was in late July. I remember how dazzling and hot the sun was that day.
I had the chance to talk with his father that day, and he said, "It's hot, isn't it? But Ray surely would have wanted to go for a ride, too." Those words have stayed in my ears ever since.
Looking back, I think, "When was the last time I rode with Ray-kun?" and before I know it, summer vacation slips away.
Before I can overthink it, I strap his spoke card onto the back of my beloved "OUTER SHELL ADVENTURE" Expedition Seatpack.
"Ray-kun, let's have a fun ride to Shuzenji from here on out!!"
Everyone has their own way of spending time on a ride.
Perhaps enjoying local food unique to the region, or stopping by a gallery or a solo exhibition happening by chance.
I feel that the joy of a ride lies in not obsessing over the day's schedule, not setting a fixed goal, and enjoying it without overdoing it.
As for me, I don't set many goals; I simply value the feeling of riding, gazing at the scenery in front of me, occasionally stopping, starting up again, and savoring the fun of the ride as if I were having a dialogue with my own body.
Viewers who say, "I recognize this scenery!" are sharp! (Sweat)
Yes, this is a shot I took in the Okitsu area of Shizuoka Prefecture last year.
It was a place I visited when I challenged myself with my MASH AC-1, and as I rode along National Route 1, I kept pedal-stroking as the memories flooded back: "This is the road, this is the road."
Surprisingly, you remember roads you've traveled once; whereas you might zip past places in a car or motorcycle, on a bicycle you can easily stop and take your time. Maybe the bicycle is telling me to "have some peace of mind" without me even realizing it...
And as for the blue bottle sitting beautifully in this bottle cage...
It goes by the name "BIVO Duo 25oz." It has a kind of new ring to it, doesn't it? Could this truly be the savior?
When riding a bike for commuting or touring, especially in the middle of summer, staying hydrated is essential.
(Please, make sure to drink water before you feel thirsty, sweat.)
This "BIVO Duo 25oz" is a new kind of "stainless steel" bottle designed by former NASA engineers. It's a stress-free item: just pull the black cap and tilt it, and you can drink just like from a plastic bottle.
This model is single-walled, so the cooling effect isn't as high, but that's what makes it lightweight and allows for a large capacity! (And it's really true!)
It's also easy to clean, and it even comes with cleaning tools, so it's a must-see whether you are meticulous or not!
I arrived safely at my first day's destination, ITJ BASE Shuzenji, in Shuzenji.
The time is 7:00 PM. As soon as I arrived, Junichiro Matsumoto (the Boss of Nishi-Izu), a.k.a. "Matsujun," welcomed me.
"Uno-chan, I'm going to have a drink before I start the live show."
Suppressing the urge to say that my legs are on the verge of screaming, I said, "Red wine, please!" and the essential beverage for the live show was poured into the glass, splash by splash.
And before Junichiro-san sings his heart out, I would like to introduce one person.
This is Tatsuo Chiba, the representative of ITJ BASE Shuzenji, who has been planning and producing various unique contents in Izu since 2013.
Mainly, it's a place that fosters events anyone can participate in easily, such as trail running competitions, mountain bike tours, and tours of the satoyama around the lush Shuzenji area.
Chiba-san said with a calm demeanor, "We still have a long way to go, including Naka-Izu. I want to increase activities that contribute to the region, linking it with Nishi-Izu where Jun-chan (Junichiro-san) is." *I forgot to take an important introductory photo, so please let me take one next time in Shuzenji! (Sweat)
"And someday, let's slurp some of 'Hiro-chan's' ramen after a drink! Lol"
The "Matsujun Live" was a great success, and the applause of the audience resonated.
I was overwhelmed by his passionate singing, which you can't hear at karaoke. I hesitated, thinking, "Should I use the flash now?..." but I didn't care! (Lol)
Now then, let's move to the rooftop.
Everyone is sitting and standing on the rooftop with drinks in hand, all prepared.
From here, fireworks will be launched from the Shuzenji forests.
I tried to take good pictures with my disposable camera, but it seems there's a limit... I'm starting to think about getting a single-lens reflex camera.
Even so, it might have been my first experience seeing fireworks from so close.
The loud sound of the fireworks, the sight of the shells ascending into the sky, it was so ephemeral yet beautiful. A natural smile broke out on my face, a gift from Shuzenji that words cannot describe.
To the Kayak Fishing Tour
The Boss of Nishi-Izu and I bid farewell to Shuzenji, and looking at Suruga Bay from the car, he said, "Wow, it's nice. Good waves, good wind." The Boss said this to me in the passenger seat.
"Uno-chan, I'm going to a fishing tackle shop." I went along with him.
Looking up at the shop's ceiling, there were pictures of fish people had caught, drawn on large paper, as is common.
Perhaps for big game, the Boss bought several lures and got into the car, thrilled.
Feeling like I could catch something too, when he asked, "Uno-chan, what do you want to catch?" I boldly replied, "I want to catch a mahi-mahi!" He said, "Nice, I like that spirit," and we both got excited.
Kayak fishing is my first attempt.
We take a pedal-drive Hobie kayak and head out to Suruga Bay.
This plan is designed for beginners like me, and of course, even small children can challenge it!
That's because you can rent the necessary tools for fishing, and since it's a pedal-drive kayak specifically for fishing, you can free up your hands and enjoy it in a relaxed state!
It's also attractive that you can cook and eat the fish you catch!
Before we head to the open ocean, we receive a thorough explanation and are informed of precautions once we're on the water. I want you to fully enjoy the charm of kayak fishing while feeling the closeness to the sea!
We paddled quite far out that day, and I discovered that the surface of the sea is surprisingly warm!
As the title suggests, has Uno-chan become a "fishing idiot" or not...
Let's announce the results!!
I board the kayak and paddle through Suruga Bay, following Junichiro-san's back.
Along the way, the weather turns ominous and we get hit by heavy rain. However, we continue paddling safely and find spots with lots of fish using a fish finder.
"Uno-chan, this is it!" I honestly follow his words and drop my line.
And just as the final whistle of the overtime is about to blow (sweat), I close my eyes and the rod reacts.
I concentrate with all my might on the rod and lure, and reel it in.
The result: two "small fish" were flown up into the Suruga Bay at the same time! (Joy)
As for the Boss of Nishi-Izu, he had a great catch—mackerel, horse mackerel, and more—and with a smug face and the setting sun at his back, he said, "Let's go home!"
I will omit the answer to "Why didn't Uno-chan catch anything?" (Please ask the Boss of Nishi-Izu, lol.)
The Warmth of Nishi-Izu
The scenery through the window is from "Lodge Mondo."
It's a wonderful lodge where nature is abundant, with the sea, mountains, and rivers so close you can reach out and touch them, a place where everyone can relax and take it easy.
As always, daily life at "Lodge Mondo" is busy.
People from all over the country head for Lodge Mondo, and the parking lot on the premises is full.
Whether it's someone coming alone to capture the charm of Nishi-Izu on camera, couples, families with children, or foreigners,
everyone is smiling and walking away from the lodge early in the morning, freely enjoying the mild time of Nishi-Izu while bathed in the summer sunlight.
Uno-chan also wakes up, washes his face, brushes his teeth, and heads to the lodge's terrace, thinking, "Now, what shall I do today?" Then Junichiro-san says to me, "Good morning! What should we do today?"
In my heart, I was thinking I wanted to ride bikes and play in the river with the kids, but...
"Wait a minute, I remember the Boss saying the kids are being chased by 'summer vacation homework'!" That crossed my mind, so Uno-chan appealed, "No, I'm feeling free!" (Lol)
"Then, I want to get the little ones' (Junichiro-san's children) homework done in the morning. Want to come along?" I nodded at his expected statement.
This photo is a best shot of the eldest daughter, "Acoya" (nickname: Aco-chan), and Lodge Mondo staff member "Keitaro Heima" (nickname: Heima-san).
Heima-san, who was ordered to be in charge of "summer vacation homework" here, lives by the rule that what the Boss says is absolute!
He usually works at Lodge Mondo and is also in charge of things like mountain bike tours on the "Yamabushi Trail."
He guides you so kindly and fun-filled on the trail tours that even beginners can enjoy mountain biking without any worries, and there is a place for that here. Everyone, please give it a try!
By the way, this building, which has turned into a "summer vacation training camp," is the gathering place for "activity tours" like mountain biking and kayak fishing that will likely cover the nature of the Izu Peninsula for the new base. It's called "IZU ADVENTURE FACTORY."
In such a memorable place, "Homework for the little ones? (Lol)" The Boss's thinking, for better or worse, is blown away, and that's why everyone wants to follow him!
Yet another introduction of the "Matsujun Family."
The second daughter, "Kotohogi" (nickname: Hogi-chan), who is said to be a bit of a "weirdo," and the eldest son, "Oki," who dropped his front teeth somewhere, are unusually looking at the camera.
Uno-chan, who is always anxious, is nervous when opening the doors of the Matsumoto house, wondering, "I wonder if Hogi-chan is smiling..."
But this time, she looked at me with a smirk from the corner of her eye, so I was relieved.
As for Oki, I'm not worried about a thing. He's the same as always, running around the house, and he gets overjoyed when I lift him up and do the "high, high!" game!
I saw Oki concentrating on his coloring book, being told what to do by Heima-san, the instructor who says, "Oki! Hurry up and color that picture!!"
Even though Uno-chan is on summer vacation, I get dragged into chores. (Lol)
First, going to a nearby FamilyMart to buy iced coffee for the Boss and the instructor.
And then, cleaning the big windows at the entrance of the new base.
The Boss holds a heat gun in one hand, heating up stickers that had been stuck there for decades and peeling them off.
I watch that process and, as if stealing the technique, use solvent to clean the windows where the stickers were just removed. (Sweat)
Perhaps seeing that, Heima-san uses his instructor-like wisdom to skillfully use a box cutter, peeling off the stubborn adhesive as if sharpening a blade. (Surprise)
Aco-chan, Hogi-chan, and even Oki abandoned their summer homework, and everyone was focused on the windows.
By the second half, the Uno-chan and Hogi-chan cleaning show begins.
While I proceed with detailed window processing, learning from the instructor's wisdom, I look down and see Hogi-chan saying, "I'll do this part." Even Uno-chan gazes with admiration, realizing that the second daughter is indeed good at observing people. "Hogi-chan, thank you."
"Daytime comes for everyone"—a phrase from the NHK program (Sarameshi) that Uno-chan loves.
"Let's eat." At the Boss's word, everyone smiles.
When we sit down, Aco-chan immediately brings the order sheet, saying "Bam!" to take orders for what everyone wants to eat.
Oki says, "I want salmon roe!" and Hogi-chan is humming something. (Lol)
I was so hungry, I didn't hold back and stuffed myself with all sorts of sushi!
Still, the seafood caught in Nishi-Izu was delicious!
Goodbye to Nishi-Izu
Parting is always sad.
But sadness at parting is also a sign that we will come back again!
For our final dinner, we cook the fish we caught during kayak fishing.
The one teaching how to fillet it is the eldest daughter, Aco-chan!
Her small hands, only in fifth grade, show skillful knife work that would silence even a fisherman, and she gently and carefully teaches Uno-chan how to fillet from start to finish.
"Aco-chan, thank you. Next time, I'll bring... a mahi-mahi for the cutting board!"
We all gathered around the dinner table.
Tonight's menu featured the fish we worked so hard to fillet, turned into an ajillo! (It was a huge hit!)
Since the fish in West Izu is mild, a cooking method like soaking it in oil was just "very good!"
On top of that, being a big family, we had a mountain of chicken katsu, coleslaw, cold tofu topped with kimchi, and so much more.
Everything was absolutely the best, perfect for blowing away that summer fatigue! Thank you for the meal!
The moment I entrusted the camera to Ako-chan, I was captivated by that big, beaming smile and peace sign.
The second oldest son, "Mondo" (nicknamed Mon-chan), is arguably the naughtiest of them all, but he’s also the most charming.
And so, instead of dessert, it was time for a post-dinner game of cards.
Mon-chan said, "Uno-chan, let's play Old Maid!"
The moment I picked up the deck, he commanded, "Hurry up, deal them!"
Not wanting to disappoint him, Uno-chan obediently shuffled the cards.
Suppressing my inner confidence of "the outcome is already decided," I began the one-on-one game of Old Maid with Mon-chan.
Shortly after starting, something strange happened to the game of Old Maid.
According to the rules, after being dealt the cards, you're supposed to discard any pairs.
However, Mon-chan's version of the rules was to not discard pairs, but rather to hoard all the cards I discarded, saying, "See? Look how many I have. (Smug face)." I was left speechless.
I wanted to retort to his smug face, "That's not even Old Maid!", but I enjoyed the card time like a gentleman. (Mon-chan, please play it properly next time, haha.)
In Closing
This is "Tsuchiya-san," who took such great care of me during last year's summer vacation. (Our savior, Tsuchi-san.) ※Please see the previous article.
I said goodbye to Lodge Mondo and started pedaling toward Mishima.
This was a photo taken when I stopped by Tsuchiya-san's house on the way and happened to catch him repairing a bike.
I remember being so happy that we stood and talked for about 15 minutes.
Tsuchiya-san is truly cheerful and full of energy, and he immediately got it wrong, asking, "Did you go to 'Domon' again this time?!" (Haha).
I refrained from saying to his face, "Tsuchiya-san, it's 'Mondo', not 'Domon'..."
West Izu is a place that makes you want to go and visit people just like that.
It was a fleeting summer vacation, but I spent some truly wonderful time.
I am grateful that I was able to ride with Rei-kun and safely enjoy "BIKEto West Izu."
While I can't quite call myself a "cyclist" yet, I hope to continue growing into a person who can spark curiosity in others.
To do that, I believe it comes down to simply "riding my bike a lot" myself.
I will make these words my motto, and move forward with energy and initiative, no matter the time or situation.
Well then, thank you all for listening!
"Thank you, West Izu!! I'll be back!"
This was the Uno-chan report!
