Here in Sendai, autumn has come at last. The harvest of rice has approached its end, and the fruit in autumn such as chestnuts and grapes has appeared on the market abundantly.

These days, special outdoor parties , called IMONI-KAI (a party of enjoying boiled potatoes), are held in the river beach here and there in this region. This party is called for celebrating a good harvest and for mutual friendship, and participants sit around the pan stuffed with meats, potatoes, and other vegitables boiled in the soup.

As this cooking way continues from old time, each region has its own traditional way, such as pork vs. beef for a meat, MISO(soybean paste) vs. SHOYU(soy sauce) as a taste, etc. Since various kinds of groups as a community group, a company worker's group, a same taste group, and so on, have their parties, the person who has many acquaintances is invited by many groups's. And, along with the party, autumn goes on, and trees of the mountain turn their leaves to red, then it gets close to winter .

As American penpals love the beautiful nature in the U.S., We love Japanese beautiful nature in 4 seasons, and will transmit the our tradions like IMONI-KAI to future generations.

I pray to continue the peaceful and abundant age when people respect each other.

I wish your health and good luck. Kazumi.