Autumn is often called “the season of…” but right now, it truly feels like “springtime for sports.”

That’s because this spring feels packed with sports news.

The other day, seeing the Nori-Kuri pair win Japan’s first-ever gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics warmed my heart. It was a truly beautiful moment where years of effort finally blossomed. It was a gold medal that gave courage even to those watching.

And of course, you can’t help but get fired up about baseball – the “WBC 2026”!

Watching the Japanese national team play, as a die-hard baseball fan, I can’t help but cheer them on with all my might.

The players’ serious expressions, their calm play even in tight spots. Seeing that makes me think, “Pros really are amazing.” Especially the Japanese players – it’s not just their skill, but their team cohesion is truly beautiful. Even watching the bench, you can feel everyone is focused on winning. It makes you feel like you’re part of the team too. I even caught myself doing the “tea-pouring pose” I wrote about in yesterday’s blog while watching the Korea game.

And today in Nagoya, there’s another major sporting event happening at this time of year.

That’s the “Nagoya Women’s Marathon and Nagoya City Marathon.” Seeing runners dash through the city streets is such a refreshing sight, isn’t it? The expressions on the runners’ faces vary too—some are utterly focused, others run with joyful smiles. Especially those who’ve crossed the finish line often wear happy expressions overflowing with a sense of accomplishment. Inspired by that sight, I’m challenging myself to run a half marathon in Gifu this April.

While topics about physical activity have increased, there’s actually another pleasure I want to add.

That is “reading,” or rather, reading books. The book in the image is photo-centric, so it’s more about “looking” than reading.

Deliberately stepping away from digital devices and taking time to slowly engage with a physical book is incredibly soothing. That time feels like a real luxury.

Watching sports to recharge, moving my body a bit, then reading to settle my mind.

Spending spring balancing body and mind like this is quite nice.

Since I’ll be happily snacking on cola and chips while watching tonight’s Australia game, I’m thinking on days when my health and the weather are good, I might pick up the pace and increase my distance a little (laugh).

Then, before sleep, a bit of reading to gently relax my mind.

Since I can’t drink alcohol, I’ll grab some cola for the game on my way home.

Well then, see you later. Here’s to an even better week starting tomorrow. (Staff Y)