Here we are again. We're approaching the end of another month and, as usual, I'm probably not the only one wondering where the time has gone again as April also went by far too quickly. There simply weren't enough days to accomplish everything I had planned. But in retrospect, it was still quite a pleasant month and, above all, one of the most beautiful months of the year. It was Sakura time and the cherry blossoms were also making a big appearance here in our region. Fortunately, I also had the opportunity to witness this performance up close and enjoy the magic of these days. As always, it was all gone too quickly and it feels now like it all lasted only a brief moment. But well, even though the first highlight of the year is now behind us, there's no need to worry. Spring is really picking up speed now, the days are much longer and, above all, the sun is shining and it is usually pleasantly warm. On the one hand, it feels like the last winter was an eternity ago, but when you think about it, perhaps it's still in your bones. Maybe it's also because I don't usually want to move on so quickly, I want to live the days, months and seasons intensely and explicitly. That's why I keep the memories of the white and cold days and don't want to miss them. Even though I am of course delighted that everything is finally turning green and it looks so much fresher and livelier outside. The end of April is the first time this year that people can really take a deep breath and catch their breath. As reported some days ago, the beginning of this month was the start of the new fiscal year and the new school year in Japan. Above all, there was a lot to do for most people, which was also partly true for me as well. But now we have a few holidays coming up here in Japan, giving people a well-deserved break. And we too, we will take this opportunity to get out of the house. At least that's what we've planned and hopefully nothing will come up, but we're intending to head south for a few days. I will of course be happy to report on it and I am pretty sure that, as usual, I will bring a lot of photos with me. If the weather cooperates, I'm certain that the photos will make it into one of my blog posts. It's probably a fitting end to this fourth month, which I'm actually reluctant to let go. But to say goodbye to the beauty of the cherry blossom, it might be just right to give yourself a change of scenery. Even if it's only for 2 or 3 days. Well, at the moment we have to keep our fingers crossed that we have the weather on our side this time. But hey... in the end, we'll definitely make the best of what we get. And I'm really looking forward to that...

Now in April many people are going to face quite some changes in term of work and school. And that applies for us too. Well, actually its is rather the little one, for whom the serious side of life is about to begin and the carefree time she has been able to enjoy so far will unfortunately soon be over. Of course, school is compulsory in Japan as well, although fortunately it is not quite as strict as in other countries. For example, it is quite easy to take your child out of elementary school for a few days without the school and youth welfare authorities turning up at your door. Nevertheless, the first grade is the start of a journey that ultimately prepares you to forget being a child and eventually accept your place in Japanese society. In the end, this may not work for everyone, but on the whole, the Japanese school system succeeds in forming a fairly homogeneous and well-functioning collective that manages to get along quite harmoniously in this sometimes rather narrow country. Once again, the signs point to a new beginning and a fresh start, but also to quite some repetition. For me at least, the new working year often seems to be a copy of the old one. Some things are different, but many things are very similar, which, as usual, has both advantages and disadvantages. Overall, I'm probably content with this, because as you get older, you're often not so keen on changes and new beginnings, but sometimes you're just happy to be able to do things the way you're used to. Although, of course, a breath of fresh air never hurts though. So fingers crossed that everyone will be off to a great start and that the coming months will be successful for all of us. Whether you will enter school or move to a higher grade, change the company or start your new or first job, let us do our best and also enjoy life as much as possible.