I've always found the cicada to be deafeningly iconic of Japan.

When I arrived in August last year they were in full chorus but were drowned out by a few thunderstorms not long after, where an eerie quietness settled over the world again. This morning I noticed they're just starting to awaken for the year.
I don't really know if I truly like them or not. They're both musical and deafening; relaxing and noisy.


This is a point where it just becomes so much more clear that I've nearly been here a year. Another 5 weeks and I'll be hitting the final 6 months. I'm definitely not ready to head home yet, but at least I've still got a bit of time left here.


My apartment building has been wrapped in scaffolding for the past few weeks and they're finally just today taking it down again. They've been painting the place but they also refloored my balcony (which was muchly needed). During the week following my parents leaving, they even sealed up my windows with sheets of plastic; making getting fresh air in here a little tough. That thankfully didn't need to stay up long.

With them finally finishing up, I can get out of the shower now without someone walking past my window (or standing on my balcony).


A typhoon was claimed to be on the way here on the weekend but ended up passing us by here in Kobe. I believe it hit parts of Kyushu, though, before wandering north.


This video isn't mine, but I found it on YouTube for your enjoyment.