When it comes to how to pass the time during hospitalization, I would say watching TV, but lately I have been trying not to watch TV as much as possible. Not only does it strain my eyes, but it also takes away both my sight and hearing, leaving me frozen in front of the screen.
At home, I watch news programs, but I have nothing to do with dramas or variety shows. The only program I never fail to record is “Go through the Fine Weather! (晴天を衝け！),” which I watch whenever I want.

This time, I brought a portable radio, a smartphone, and three books.

1. Portable Radio

The portable radio, about half the size of my palm, is a companion at any idle moment during the day and at bedtime. Especially during the first three days after surgery when my body was restricted, it helped ease my mood. I casually listened to the audio broadcast on NHK Radio 1, and when getting bored, I simply turned it off. It was hassle-free and versatile. 　“Hiruno Ikoi (Daytime Rest),” cheerful conversations, children's songs, ‘Radio Midnight Express (ラジオ深夜便),’...

2. Smartphone

As mentioned in the previous chapter, I select essays, travelogues, and novels from the appropriate squares based on my interests. I may be flattering myself, but the website “Viva, Seniors!” features works from over 20 years ago, most of which include my own English translations. Since both versions are read aloud by myself, it's a large volume. As a result of the recent contract with a provider for a significant increase in website capacity, I have uploaded approximately 450 hours of readings to the site. These can be listened to comfortably in a hospital room. In fact, they have proven to be a great help.

3. Books

Though not like Ryotaro Shiba's “If I were to take one book to a deserted island,” I first chose this “Opening the Tannishō.”
“Even good people achieve salvation, let alone evil people.”
I am familiar with this phrase, which turns the principle on its head, as it appears in the original text, but I have not yet read it. Coincidentally, my wife had this book, which she said provided an easy explanation of it, so I decided to borrow it.
Written by Yuien, a disciple of Shinran, it borrows Shinran's words throughout to correct misconceptions about the present situation—that much I understand. I read up to Chapter 1, “Shinran's Words on the Essence of Buddhism,” and Chapter 2, “Shinran's Clear and Unwavering Belief,” but felt a bit constrained and gave up. 　

I had been reading “Living English” up to a certain point and planned to read the rest in the hospital. However, I wasn't in the mood, so it remained untouched.

So, I flipped through the paperback edition of “Musical Journey.”
The author, Junichiro Koizumi, was once known as an eccentric and multi-talented individual. He played the violin and enjoyed a wide range of music, from classical to rock. I don't know much about his athletic abilities, but I recall seeing him frequently at sumo wrestling, professional baseball, and soccer ceremonies on television.
I bought this book at Book Off with a price tag of 105 yen. I randomly picked it off the shelf and brought it to the hospital. I started reading it. To my surprise, I found myself drawn in by the content and finished it over a few days, including the surgery, feeling deeply impressed.

It is divided into three chapters:
1. Encounter with Classical Music
2. Opera is Love
3. Elvis, Morricone, and the Knight of the Journey

While I wouldn't say I'm not interested in chapter 2 and 3, my focus is on chapter 1, classical music.
The depth of his knowledge is extraordinary, both in breadth and depth. I was amazed.
It all started when he played the violin in the school orchestra during middle school. The pieces he performed were Haydn's “Toy Symphony,” Mozart's Serenade “Eine Kleine Nachtmusik,” and Bach's “Air on the G String.” He was captivated by the sound of the violin in each piece. That was the beginning of his love for classical music, especially violin pieces.
Mendelssohn's “Violin Concerto” on the radio was his first step into classical music. He rushed out to buy the LP. The B-side was Tchaikovsky's “Violin Concerto.” He listened to both sides so much that they were worn out. He also listened to Bach's “Violin Concerto.” These three pieces led him to an enthusiastic fan of classical music.
(From here down, no reading. Sorry.)

Upon returning home, I immediately searched through my CD collection and found the next piece.

*Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart:
Violin Concerto No. 1 in B-flat major, K. 207
Violin Concerto No. 5 in A major, K. 219 “Turkish”
Violin: David Oistrakh Conductor: Bernard Haitink Orchestra: Lamoureux Orchestra)

＊Kyung Wha Chung "The Great Violin Concertos"
・Felix Mendelssohn "Violin Concerto in E minor, op.64" with Orchestre symphonique de Montreal, conducted by Charles Dutoit
・Ludwig van Beethoven "Violin Concerto in D major, op.61" with Wiener Philharmoniker, conducted by Kirill Kondrashin
・Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovskiy "Violin Concerto in D major, op.35" with London Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Andre Previn
・Jean Sibelius "Violin Concerto in D minor, op.47" with London Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Andre Previn