HOUYHNHNM

deserted wellThis year is still better. Last year was much more amazing. I was running 700 kilometers a month because I was planning to run an ultra-marathon. I was banned from wearing brown T-shirts because they made me look naked (laughs). Because I looked naked (laughs).

deserted wellI would go back and forth between my hometown of Noda (Chiba Prefecture) and the Tokyo Skytree, and then I started to hear a pitter-patter sound coming from inside my body. It was the sound of a muscle breaking. I made the mistake of thinking that since I could run, I would be fine (laughs). Two months after I started training, I went down and was hospitalized.

deserted wellNowadays, I am doing more work to be photographed than to shoot, and I am doing a variety of things. Of course, my main focus is on the mountains, where I spend half of the year.

deserted wellThe mountains seen from the trail are beautiful, but once you step inside, the situation is very serious. The number of wild animals has increased to such an extent that it has become unbearable. The matagi industry is aging, as is most of the industry. I felt that someone had to do something.

Three daughters say. Why are you killing the deer? They explain that the mountain will be destroyed if we don't do something about it, but I don't feel that there is any contradiction there. It's all about human ego. But we can't leave them alone. By extension, it is also good for the children's education. My wife is a nursery school teacher, and she told me that when she asked a child to draw a fish, the child submitted a picture of a salmon fillet swimming in the water. We have to convey the meaning of taking life.

deserted wellMy father enjoyed hunting, and we had contact with the Aizu Matagi. From the time I was a small child, the matagi would take me to the mountains to play. They would step over pathless roads and go deep into the mountains. At first, I had a strong feeling that it was hard and painful, but I think it was around the time I was in junior high school. I went camping with my classmates and thought it was interesting that we could manage on our own. After that, I began to feel that ready-made food was tasteless. In the mountains, as long as you have rice, you can get by. Seasonal mushrooms, fish, and meat ....... Everything can be a side dish.

I started out as a photographer's assistant with a studio, and for a while after becoming independent, I worked for music and fashion magazines. I didn't feel comfortable with it, and eventually I started accompanying climbers on shoots. This led to a 20-meter slide and hospitalization. It was an accident so early in my marriage, so I was very angry (laughs).

deserted wellMountain photography requires a lot of equipment. The reason for this is to make it as light as possible. Lightness can be bought with money. You can buy lightweight equipment with money, because all you need is the latest and greatest. But I felt that was not the case. So, we decided to use wool as the basic material for our clothes.

It was an unsupported traverse in the Northern Alps that triggered my reconsideration of natural materials. I think it was on the 12th day, I was walking at an altitude of over 2,000 meters, and my body was emitting a strong, foul odor. I was wearing synthetic fiber clothes at the time. I changed my shirts and tights to wool, and this was an eye-opening experience. Wool is hygienic because it is resistant to bacteria growth, and even if it gets wet, you can dry it (dry it with body heat or sunlight), and it doesn't make you sweat cold.

deserted wellI have tried many things, but neither hunting boots nor trekking boots can compete with bushwalking (going through bushes). So far, without exception, they have been ruined within a year. Now I wear military shoes. I'm glad I believed the salesman who said they would last three years. They are already in their second year and I think they are still going strong.

deserted wellI used to love wearing [Teva] sandals. Not only for spending time in the tenting area (where you pitch your tent), but also as a sub in case the main one breaks down. The soles are sturdy and the straps have a perfect hold. I also like them because I can go down the mountain with them if I have to.

However, with sandals, my toes are unprotected and it is cold in winter. I had been looking for a good pair for a while, and the perfect pair for me was the "Ember Moc.

deserted wellFirst of all, there is the solid sole structure that only Teva can provide. A hard sole is very comfortable to stand on," said Mr. Kato. Despite being slip-ons, they also fit well. The upper is deep, which is a key point. Reinforced leather is applied around the toes. This is a must-have spec for bushwhacking. The heel can be stepped on and off, and the construction allows it to be worn in place of sandals. It is useful in a tent where you have to take them off and on a lot. And they are light.

deserted wellIn a word, it is fashionable. This is a good choice even if you go out in the city after descending the mountain. I'm glad to see that this is not a common outdoor item. Moreover, the quilting with knit ribs keeps you warm. I often have my wife help me with events in the mountains, and she is not very good with hard items. This would be great for both of us to wear together.