Canon's Diary

Sunday, September 7, 2025. A blazing sun. At 7:30 in the morning, we gathered at the tennis courts on the roof of the Naruse Clean Center. The city-run courts are built on top of a sewage treatment plant — a rather unusual setting. Fourteen omni-surface courts stretch out across the rooftop.

Our team, made up of five pairs, ten players in all, had only just been promoted to Division 2 in Machida City’s team competition last year. Today was our first time facing the division’s strong teams. Playing outdoors, the sound of the ball striking the racket carried as a dull, dry thud across the courts. My T-shirt and cap were soaked with sweat almost immediately.

Our first match was against a team called Orange, recently relegated from Division 1. We were crushed, 0–5. We dropped into the consolation round and scraped through the first match there with a 3–2 win, managing to keep our spot in Division 2.

It was brutally hot. From time to time, a breeze hinted at autumn’s approach, but the ultraviolet rays were fierce. I never let go of my parasol. During breaks I wandered around, searching desperately for even a scrap of shade. Of course, you can’t hold a parasol while you play, and by the end of the day, my face and arms were deeply tanned.

That day, my wife was also competing in the women’s team event at the same venue. The courts were crowded, and I ran into many familiar faces, chatting with quite a few people throughout the day. The matches wrapped up around 3 p.m.

Once home, I showered and prepared a bento to eat on the Shinkansen ride back. I kept it simple: reheated frozen beef bowl topping over freshly cooked rice, with broccoli and a boiled egg on the side. I had a haircut appointment at 5:30, and that finished after 7 p.m. My wife drove me to the station, and I boarded the Shinkansen. At this hour, I knew I wouldn’t get back to the apartment until after 10 p.m.

It had been a hectic weekend. When I left our home in Naruse, I noticed my mother looking a little lonely. We’d shared some peperoncino and a short conversation on Saturday, but today my wife and I were out the whole day, leaving her alone.

Next time, when I return in two weeks, I’ll make sure to spend more time with her. By then, the lingering summer heat will have faded, and I hope we can sit together in the cool breeze and talk at our leisure.