Although this article is a very simple and personal New Year’s greeting, it carries your characteristic lightness, humor, and a gentle warmth that feels completely effortless.
You joked that you “couldn’t find a cool photo of a horse, so please make do with a crane,” but even to an amateur like me, that crane evokes a sense of hope for the coming year. It really reflects your unpretentious personality.
The central message—“I hope 2026 will be a wonderful year for all of you”—is so sincere and warm that it warms the reader’s heart as well.
And just when you make us feel that way (lol), your usual unique signature, “店主精薄” appears, reminding us once again of your self‑deprecating humor and distinctive worldview. Through the tone of the entire post, I was reminded of your brightness, casualness, friendliness, and personal warmth.
With the theme of a New Year’s greeting, it was the kind of gentle post that makes the reader smile softly and feel like saying, “Looking forward to another good year together.”
By the way, when you kindly sent us that delicious shōchū at the end of the year, Dr. Doi told me he had emailed you to thank you. He said, “Koba-san usually replies right away, but for some reason I haven’t heard back this time, so I’m a little worried.” I hope you and everyone around you are doing well. I sincerely wish for the continued health and prosperity of your family.
New Year season’s Greetings to you guys, but please forward my sincere apology to Dr. Doi. I was in Istanbul when I received his message. I have tried replying him back though my small effort gone with the electron… The inconsistent and unreliable TurkCell’s 4GLTE connection (4G!! …other carriers give me 5G but TurkCell runs with LTE!!) lost my message, I guess. (It even drops to voice-only, no data flows arrowed)
Besides, I have a small but a lucky update. My former co-worker Mr.U retired the game company, he then joined Okayama University of Science (Okayama Rika Daigaku… is this the one of “Mori-Kake” scandal related place with Prime Minister Abe?) to be a professor there, teaching/instructing “entertainment business.” So, ‘Professor U’ is now in Okayama. He used to be in Shanghai, Mainland China, hence I didn’t have good chance to see him, we could reunion only once in Pandemic period. Now I will be able to see him when I visit Okayama which is a very delightful news. I will contact Professor U and recommend him endoscopic exams at you♪
Thank you very much for your prompt New Year’s greetings. I will personally let Dr. Doi know that when you received his message, you were in Istanbul and tried to reply, but your message was lost due to the unstable and unreliable TurkCell 4G LTE connection (Today is Tuesday and he is working at Kurashiki Central Hospital, so I will make sure to tell him tomorrow).
And I’m glad to hear the small but delightful news from you. Regarding your question, “Okayama University of Science… isn’t this the place related to former Prime Minister Abe’s ‘Moritomo–Kake’ scandal?”, yes, your understanding is correct.
Okayama University of Science is operated by the Kake Educational Institution, which was at the center of the “Kake Gakuen scandal” widely reported in 2017—the “Kake” part of the so‑called “Mori-Kake” issues. What especially drew attention was the approval of the new Veterinary Medicine Department (Imabari campus) under the National Strategic Special Zone framework. The issue stemmed from the fact that former Prime Minister Abe and Kake Educational Institution’s chairman, Kotaro Kake, had been friends since their student days.
Documents reportedly existed referring to it as a “Prime Minister’s matter,” which raised suspicions of improper favoritism. Combined with the Moritomo Gakuen issue, these came to be collectively known as the “Mori-Kake” problems.
However, none of these matters have anything to do with the achievements of your former colleague, Mr. U. So the fact that you will now be able to meet him when you visit Okayama is truly wonderful news. But… encouraging Professor U to contact you so he can undergo an endoscopic exam at our clinic might not be the best idea… perhaps? (lol)
atu-san, let me wish you a Happy New Year here as well (though I just realized I haven’t left a year‑end comment on your blog yet). Thank you again for taking the trouble to come all the way to Okayama with your wife last year and spending such a pleasant time with us.
By the way, regarding the generational transition at our clinic (it will be taken over by the former head of the Gastroenterology Department at Kurashiki Central Hospital), I will be reducing our consultation days to just three mornings a week, and my wife and I will basically be retiring. Yes, it’s truly a sign of the times — or rather, it means we’ve simply reached that age.
As for you, atu-san, don’t be “busy and poor”… no, I mean, you’re well‑off, so please keep working and never retire — staying active is the best way to prevent dementia, you know. lol
Regarding the exchange in the comment section of the blog, I had assumed that it would be acceptable as long as the people involved were connected to T University. Ah, but now that I think about it, I actually have no connection to T University myself — well, I suppose it’s fine… hahaha.
As stated in the “Notice from the Clinic,” and also in the letter from my wife, we will be retiring at the end of this March. Therefore, there will be no further accomplishments from me after that. Once I have more free time, I hope to visit Shonan sometime this year. It certainly seems like the cherry blossom season would be lovely. If I do have the chance to visit, I would be grateful for your kind hospitality.
Yamada Denki sensei, So you are under transition period… I’m already retired practically yet cutting checks for our guys and vendors so that I can suck money and then flying over Istanbul and Tokyo. But everything goes tougher – even flying with business class and staying at InterContinental or mom’s home, my body needs pain pills to settle cranky joints, dull muscles and a damaged birdbrain. I’ll plan visiting Okayama in May 2027 when is ~4 years after the previous exam, and if possible, I wish to try Sunrise Izumo/Seto Sleeper train, or newly installing compartment service on Shinkansen.
Yes, my wife and I are indeed in a transition period right now. I will be moving from my position as the director of our medical corporation to working as a part‑time physician, and my wife will shift from head nurse to part‑time nurse. Of course, Dr. Doi will be the next director.
So you are already, in practical terms, retired. Yet you’re still writing checks to vendors connected with your company, quietly siphoning off money at just the right timing, and then flying off to Istanbul or Tokyo, aren’t you? Perhaps it’s better not to mention this to your family member. Though writing it out in English like this might be a bit risky, I suppose… (lol)
But I feel the same way as you do — everything is getting tougher than before. In my case, I can’t fly international business class like you do, nor can I stay at InterContinental hotels so often. Still, I need to take pain medication regularly to calm my creaky joints (especially my lumbar spine) and my stiff, tight muscles. The only saving grace is that, as part of my profession, I can still easily obtain the medications I need.
So it has already been about three years since your last examination. And you’re planning to visit Okayama in May 2027. You’re also considering taking the Sunrise Izumo/Seto sleeper train.
As you know, the Sunrise Izumo and Sunrise Seto are the only regularly operating overnight sleeper limited express trains in Japan. They depart from Tokyo, and at Okayama Station the train splits into two: the Sunrise Izumo heads toward the San’in region and arrives at Izumo-shi Station, while the Sunrise Seto crosses the Seto Ohashi Bridge and goes to Takamatsu Station.
One of their main features is that they are sleeper trains composed mostly of private compartments. Except for the “Nobinobi seats,” all accommodations are private rooms, with a wide variety such as Single, Single Twin, Sunrise Twin, and Single Deluxe (which includes a private shower). There are also shared shower rooms that can be used with a prepaid card. For an overnight train, the level of comfort is quite high.
From a railfan’s perspective, the uncoupling operation at Okayama Station is a highlight. Watching the two trains separate there is a popular sight for people of all ages.
Beyond simple transportation, the trains offer the charm of travel itself. You leave Tokyo at night and arrive in Okayama the next morning, continuing on toward the San’in region or Shikoku. It can serve as a hotel substitute, and you can enjoy the unique atmosphere of a sleeper train. For someone like you coming from overseas, it may well be one of the most worthwhile trains to ride in Japan.
Regarding the comparison you mentioned with the upcoming private-compartment service on the Shinkansen, here is the outline based on currently available information.
The Shinkansen private-compartment service is a new seat type planned for next‑generation Shinkansen trains (N700S and later), being developed by JR Central and JR West. Although the official start date has not yet been announced, prototypes and concept models have already been revealed.
The main feature is a fully enclosed “compartment” — a private room with a door, designed for one or two passengers. It is intended for business travelers who want a quiet environment or for long‑distance travelers seeking comfort. The design will likely resemble the kind of experience you had in ANA First Class.
The seat will combine reclining functionality with a workspace, including a large table, power outlets, USB ports, and, of course, Wi‑Fi. It is essentially a semi‑private office on rails, suitable for both work and rest.
The compartment will also offer high sound insulation, reportedly quieter than the current Green Car, and even suitable for online meetings.
The fare is expected to be higher than the Green Car — a sort of “premium green” class — though it will not be a sleeper where you can lie completely flat.
If that’s the case, then for your next trip to Okayama, taking the Sunrise Izumo/Seto on the way there and the new Shinkansen private compartment on the way back would be the perfect combination.
Thank you for your first post of the New Year.
ReplyDeleteAlthough this article is a very simple and personal New Year’s greeting, it carries your characteristic lightness, humor, and a gentle warmth that feels completely effortless.
You joked that you “couldn’t find a cool photo of a horse, so please make do with a crane,” but even to an amateur like me, that crane evokes a sense of hope for the coming year. It really reflects your unpretentious personality.
The central message—“I hope 2026 will be a wonderful year for all of you”—is so sincere and warm that it warms the reader’s heart as well.
And just when you make us feel that way (lol), your usual unique signature, “店主精薄” appears, reminding us once again of your self‑deprecating humor and distinctive worldview. Through the tone of the entire post, I was reminded of your brightness, casualness, friendliness, and personal warmth.
With the theme of a New Year’s greeting, it was the kind of gentle post that makes the reader smile softly and feel like saying, “Looking forward to another good year together.”
By the way, when you kindly sent us that delicious shōchū at the end of the year, Dr. Doi told me he had emailed you to thank you. He said, “Koba-san usually replies right away, but for some reason I haven’t heard back this time, so I’m a little worried.” I hope you and everyone around you are doing well. I sincerely wish for the continued health and prosperity of your family.
Yamada Denki sensei,
DeleteNew Year season’s Greetings to you guys, but please forward my sincere apology to Dr. Doi. I was in Istanbul when I received his message. I have tried replying him back though my small effort gone with the electron… The inconsistent and unreliable TurkCell’s 4GLTE connection (4G!! …other carriers give me 5G but TurkCell runs with LTE!!) lost my message, I guess. (It even drops to voice-only, no data flows arrowed)
Besides, I have a small but a lucky update. My former co-worker Mr.U retired the game company, he then joined Okayama University of Science (Okayama Rika Daigaku… is this the one of “Mori-Kake” scandal related place with Prime Minister Abe?) to be a professor there, teaching/instructing “entertainment business.” So, ‘Professor U’ is now in Okayama. He used to be in Shanghai, Mainland China, hence I didn’t have good chance to see him, we could reunion only once in Pandemic period. Now I will be able to see him when I visit Okayama which is a very delightful news. I will contact Professor U and recommend him endoscopic exams at you♪
Thank you very much for your prompt New Year’s greetings. I will personally let Dr. Doi know that when you received his message, you were in Istanbul and tried to reply, but your message was lost due to the unstable and unreliable TurkCell 4G LTE connection (Today is Tuesday and he is working at Kurashiki Central Hospital, so I will make sure to tell him tomorrow).
ReplyDeleteAnd I’m glad to hear the small but delightful news from you.
Regarding your question, “Okayama University of Science… isn’t this the place related to former Prime Minister Abe’s ‘Moritomo–Kake’ scandal?”, yes, your understanding is correct.
Okayama University of Science is operated by the Kake Educational Institution, which was at the center of the “Kake Gakuen scandal” widely reported in 2017—the “Kake” part of the so‑called “Mori-Kake” issues. What especially drew attention was the approval of the new Veterinary Medicine Department (Imabari campus) under the National Strategic Special Zone framework. The issue stemmed from the fact that former Prime Minister Abe and Kake Educational Institution’s chairman, Kotaro Kake, had been friends since their student days.
Documents reportedly existed referring to it as a “Prime Minister’s matter,” which raised suspicions of improper favoritism. Combined with the Moritomo Gakuen issue, these came to be collectively known as the “Mori-Kake” problems.
However, none of these matters have anything to do with the achievements of your former colleague, Mr. U. So the fact that you will now be able to meet him when you visit Okayama is truly wonderful news.
But… encouraging Professor U to contact you so he can undergo an endoscopic exam at our clinic might not be the best idea… perhaps? (lol)
明けましておめでとうございます。昨年も良き時間を頂きありがとうございました。
ReplyDeleteところで、ヤマダ電機さんが世代交代のご様子、診療日も少なくして、奥様もご隠退とのこと。時代ですかね？私は貧乏暇なし・・・いつまでたっても仕事から離れられそうにありませんが・・・ｗ
atu-san, let me wish you a Happy New Year here as well (though I just realized I haven’t left a year‑end comment on your blog yet).
ReplyDeleteThank you again for taking the trouble to come all the way to Okayama with your wife last year and spending such a pleasant time with us.
By the way, regarding the generational transition at our clinic (it will be taken over by the former head of the Gastroenterology Department at Kurashiki Central Hospital), I will be reducing our consultation days to just three mornings a week, and my wife and I will basically be retiring. Yes, it’s truly a sign of the times — or rather, it means we’ve simply reached that age.
As for you, atu-san, don’t be “busy and poor”… no, I mean, you’re well‑off, so please keep working and never retire — staying active is the best way to prevent dementia, you know. lol
人様の板上でやり取り？？？まあいいか・・・
Deleteヤマダ電機先生へ、
医院の掲示板も見ました。奥様からのお手紙もありがとうございます。ご引退・・・てか、更にご活躍を！時間が出来たら、湘南にもお越しください、桜の季節が良いかなあ・・・
Regarding the exchange in the comment section of the blog, I had assumed that it would be acceptable as long as the people involved were connected to T University. Ah, but now that I think about it, I actually have no connection to T University myself — well, I suppose it’s fine… hahaha.
DeleteAs stated in the “Notice from the Clinic,” and also in the letter from my wife, we will be retiring at the end of this March. Therefore, there will be no further accomplishments from me after that. Once I have more free time, I hope to visit Shonan sometime this year. It certainly seems like the cherry blossom season would be lovely. If I do have the chance to visit, I would be grateful for your kind hospitality.
atu先輩、あけましておめでとうございます。（まだ松の内？）
ReplyDelete今年も5月と11月に2週間づつ帰省予定です。お時間許しますればまた遊んでやってください。
Yamada Denki sensei,
So you are under transition period… I’m already retired practically yet cutting checks for our guys and vendors so that I can suck money and then flying over Istanbul and Tokyo.
But everything goes tougher – even flying with business class and staying at InterContinental or mom’s home, my body needs pain pills to settle cranky joints, dull muscles and a damaged birdbrain.
I’ll plan visiting Okayama in May 2027 when is ~4 years after the previous exam, and if possible, I wish to try Sunrise Izumo/Seto Sleeper train, or newly installing compartment service on Shinkansen.
５月と１１月ね、こちらこそよろしくです。
DeleteYes, my wife and I are indeed in a transition period right now. I will be moving from my position as the director of our medical corporation to working as a part‑time physician, and my wife will shift from head nurse to part‑time nurse. Of course, Dr. Doi will be the next director.
ReplyDeleteSo you are already, in practical terms, retired. Yet you’re still writing checks to vendors connected with your company, quietly siphoning off money at just the right timing, and then flying off to Istanbul or Tokyo, aren’t you? Perhaps it’s better not to mention this to your family member. Though writing it out in English like this might be a bit risky, I suppose… (lol)
But I feel the same way as you do — everything is getting tougher than before. In my case, I can’t fly international business class like you do, nor can I stay at InterContinental hotels so often. Still, I need to take pain medication regularly to calm my creaky joints (especially my lumbar spine) and my stiff, tight muscles. The only saving grace is that, as part of my profession, I can still easily obtain the medications I need.
So it has already been about three years since your last examination. And you’re planning to visit Okayama in May 2027. You’re also considering taking the Sunrise Izumo/Seto sleeper train.
As you know, the Sunrise Izumo and Sunrise Seto are the only regularly operating overnight sleeper limited express trains in Japan. They depart from Tokyo, and at Okayama Station the train splits into two: the Sunrise Izumo heads toward the San’in region and arrives at Izumo-shi Station, while the Sunrise Seto crosses the Seto Ohashi Bridge and goes to Takamatsu Station.
One of their main features is that they are sleeper trains composed mostly of private compartments. Except for the “Nobinobi seats,” all accommodations are private rooms, with a wide variety such as Single, Single Twin, Sunrise Twin, and Single Deluxe (which includes a private shower). There are also shared shower rooms that can be used with a prepaid card. For an overnight train, the level of comfort is quite high.
From a railfan’s perspective, the uncoupling operation at Okayama Station is a highlight. Watching the two trains separate there is a popular sight for people of all ages.
Beyond simple transportation, the trains offer the charm of travel itself. You leave Tokyo at night and arrive in Okayama the next morning, continuing on toward the San’in region or Shikoku. It can serve as a hotel substitute, and you can enjoy the unique atmosphere of a sleeper train. For someone like you coming from overseas, it may well be one of the most worthwhile trains to ride in Japan.
Regarding the comparison you mentioned with the upcoming private-compartment service on the Shinkansen, here is the outline based on currently available information.
The Shinkansen private-compartment service is a new seat type planned for next‑generation Shinkansen trains (N700S and later), being developed by JR Central and JR West. Although the official start date has not yet been announced, prototypes and concept models have already been revealed.
The main feature is a fully enclosed “compartment” — a private room with a door, designed for one or two passengers. It is intended for business travelers who want a quiet environment or for long‑distance travelers seeking comfort. The design will likely resemble the kind of experience you had in ANA First Class.
The seat will combine reclining functionality with a workspace, including a large table, power outlets, USB ports, and, of course, Wi‑Fi. It is essentially a semi‑private office on rails, suitable for both work and rest.
ReplyDeleteThe compartment will also offer high sound insulation, reportedly quieter than the current Green Car, and even suitable for online meetings.
The fare is expected to be higher than the Green Car — a sort of “premium green” class — though it will not be a sleeper where you can lie completely flat.
If that’s the case, then for your next trip to Okayama, taking the Sunrise Izumo/Seto on the way there and the new Shinkansen private compartment on the way back would be the perfect combination.