5月24日、夕刻の穏やかな光に包まれるサザンビーチ。

砂浜の一角では、小学生低学年らしき女子児童のグループが集まっていました。最初はそれぞれ座りながら、おしゃべりをしたり、ペットボトルで水分補給をしたり、スマートフォンを眺めたりと、思い思いにくつろいでいます。
やがて、赤シャツを着た女の子が立ち上がり、一人でボールを使って遊び始めました。それに気づいたピンクシャツの女の子が振り返りますが、なぜか座ったままの姿勢で、二人でバレーボールの真似事を開始。その楽しそうな姿を見た白シャツの女の子は「私もやりたい、やらせて！」と言わんばかりの仕草で立ち上がり、やる気満々で参戦します。しかし、赤シャツの女の子がレシーブしたボールは、あられもない方向へポーンと飛んでいってしまいました。めげずに再び投げ合う姿が、なんとも微笑ましい。そんな賑やかな輪から少し離れたところでは、黒シャツの女の子が周囲の盛り上がりとは関係なく、完全に自分の世界に没頭して一人でダンスを踊っています。年齢や上手い下手にとらわれず、誰もが自分の好きなように過ごせる自由な空気が、そこにはありました。

目を少し先に転じると、海へ向かって数十メートルほど突き出た2本の防波堤が見えます。それぞれの先端には、座り込んでじっと大海原を見つめる人々の影。その一方、堤防の上には中東系とおぼしき男女二人の姿もありました。頭と首をスカーフで覆った女性と男性は、何やら少し込み入った様子で口論をしているよう。思うように話が運ばないのか、やがて男性はすごすごとその場を離れていきました。

はるか遠くには、茅ヶ崎のシンボルである「えぼし岩」が静かに佇み、すぐ近くの波際ではサーファーたちが次の波をじっと待っています。喜びも、他愛のない遊びも、時には小さな諍いも、すべてを大きな包容力で受け止める湘南の海。そこには、いつ訪れても飽きることのない、等身大の日常が広がっています。

A Beachside Ensemble: A Space Where Everyone Belongs

May 24th, at 4:33 PM. Enveloped in the mild late-afternoon light, a corner of Southern Beach became a lively mosaic of different lives, with everyone enjoying the space in their own personal way.

On the sand, a group of young schoolgirls had gathered. Initially, they were just sitting together, chatting, drinking from water bottles, and checking their smartphones in a relaxed circle. Before long, a girl in a red shirt stood up and began playing with a volleyball. Seeing this, a friend in a pink shirt turned around and, while remaining seated on the sand, the two started mimicking a volleyball rally. Drawn by the fun, a girl in a white shirt stood up with an eager gesture, clearly wanting to join the game. However, the next pass from the red-shirted girl sailed completely off-target, flying backward behind them, prompting another playful attempt. Meanwhile, a girl in a black shirt paid no attention to the ball game, entirely immersed in her own world as she practiced dance moves by herself. It was a beautiful testament to the free-spirited nature of the beach, where skill and age do not matter.

Looking further toward the water, two concrete jetties stretched dozens of meters into the ocean. At the far ends, solitary figures sat quietly, gazing out at the vast blue. Closer along the walkway, a Middle Eastern couple could be seen. The woman, wearing a traditional headscarf covering her head and neck, appeared to be engaged in an intense argument with the man. As if unable to find common ground, the man eventually walked away with a dejected air.

In the distance, the iconic Eboshi-iwa Rock stood as a silent witness to these fleeting human dramas, while nearby, surfers floated peacefully on the water, waiting for the right wave. Welcoming laughter, private dances, and even brief arguments, the Shonan coast remains a comforting sanctuary that embraces every aspect of daily life.

5月10日、午後4時半前の菱沼海岸。よく晴れた空の下、砂浜では様々な国籍や世代の人々が、思い思いの時間を満喫しています。波際では、外国人男性が上半身裸になって気持ちよさそうに日光浴。隣に座る女性は対照的に、日焼けを避けるためか長袖姿です。男性は、ふと自国の海に思いを馳せているのでしょうか。

その近くでは、お父さん、お姉ちゃん、そして小さな弟の三人家族が楽しげに遊んでいます。お父さんとお姉ちゃんが手を繋いで作ったトンネルの下を、猛ダッシュしてきた弟が嬉しそうに潜り抜ける――なるほど、これは手作りの「テープカット」ですね！子供らしいユニークな発想に心が和みます。
今度は「ヨーイ、スタート！」という弟の合図で、お父さんが本気で走り出しました。その隙に、姉弟は示し合わせて近くの砂山へ。こっそり身を隠す二人の仕草と、それに気づくお父さんのやり取りが微笑ましい限りです。

さらに目を転じると、砂浜の上で綺麗に前転（でんぐり返し）を決める妙齢のお姉さんの姿も。学生時代、マット運動が得意だったのかもしれませんね。この広大な海を前にして、ついそんな開放的な気分になるのも頷けます。

傍らでは、仲良し男性五人組がサッカーの真似事をして、一つのボールを蹴り合っています。足元が砂地のため、思うようにボールが転がらないのもまた一興。

海には大勢のサーファーが波を待ち、きらめく湘南の海全体が、大きな包容力で人々を包み込んでいるような、温かな初夏の午後でした。

Early Summer Smiles on the Beach: A Whimsical Afternoon Gazing at Enoshima

May 10th, shortly before 4:30 PM at Hishinuma Beach. Under a brilliantly clear early summer sky, the coast offers a stunning view of Enoshima and its Sea Candle lighthouse to the southeast. The expansive sandy beach is alive with people from all walks of life, each embracing the open air in their own way.

Down by the shore, a foreign man relaxes shirtless, soaking up the sun, while his female companion sits beside him in long sleeves to protect herself from the tan. Perhaps he is looking out at the waves and thinking of the shores of his homeland.

Nearby, a heartwarming family of three—a father, his daughter, and his young son—creates their own amusement. The father and daughter hold hands, forming an arch, as the little boy dashes underneath with a look of pure triumph. It turns out to be a makeshift “ribbon-cutting ceremony”—a delightfully creative game only a child could invent! Soon after, the boy shouts, “Ready, set, go!” and the father takes off into a full sprint. While his back is turned, the siblings quickly hatch a plan and hide behind a nearby sand mound. Watching their playful conspiracy and the father’s reaction is truly endearing.

Turning the gaze, a young woman spontaneously executes a perfect forward roll on the soft sand. Perhaps it was a skill she excelled at during her school days; facing the endless ocean, it is easy to understand why the beach inspires such a carefree spirit.

Not far away, a group of five friends kicks a soccer ball around, laughing as the loose sand disrupts their passes. With countless surfers dotting the sparkling waves, the Shonan coast feels like a welcoming, giant living room, enveloping everyone in its peaceful, sun-drenched embrace.

4月29日、16時を回ったウッドデッキ。いつものように、大きな台はシニアたちの憩いの場（たまり場）となっています。持参した本を静かにめくる人、手押し車で連れてきた愛犬を優しくあやす人、そして奥で熱心に世間話に花を咲かせるおじいさんたち。それぞれの「お気に入り」がここにあります。

ふとデッキの端に目をやると、中年のおじさんが一人で黙々とラジオ体操中。「腕を前から上に、横から降ろします……」とお馴染みのメロディが聞こえてきそうなその見事な手足の動きに、見ているこちらまで体を動かしたくなってしまいます。

その横を、わりと早足のおばさまが颯爽と横切る。

デッキの向こう側の砂浜では、女子グループが野球の真っ最中。といっても、おもちゃのようなバットとボールですが、「楽しければいいのよ！」と言わんばかりに、賑やかな笑い声が響いています。

そして手前のベンチでは、中年男性二人が持参したイスに腰掛け、おつまみを囲んで缶ビールを片手に熱弁を振るっています。「一回テストすると6割、二回目で7割……四回やると96パーセント！」という熱い体験談は、まるで国家資格の習熟曲線のよう。ご自身の苦労話だからこそ、語る言葉にも一段と熱が帯びていました。

若者二人組がマウンテンバイクで気持ちよさそうに風を切って通り過ぎていきました。

いつ訪れても、十人十色の生き様に触れられるこの場所。ここでゆっくりと流れる時間を共有していると、こちらまで心がじんわりと豊かになっていくのを感じます。

Breezy Conversations and Daily Rhythms: A Tapestry of Life on the Wooden Deck

April 29th, at 4:00 PM. On the familiar wooden deck, a gentle spring breeze carries the unique rhythms and stories of the local residents. With the start of the holiday season, the space has once again become a beautiful crossroads of diverse daily lives.

As usual, the large platform serves as a cozy gathering spot for seniors. One person quietly turns the pages of a book, another dotes on a pet dog brought along in a stroller, while further back, a group of elderly men are completely engrossed in animated chitchat. Each has found their own perfect way to unwind.

At the edge of the deck, a middle-aged man is diligently performing radio calisthenics all by himself. His rhythmic movements—stretching arms up and lowering them to the sides—are so perfectly executed that they almost tempt onlookers to join in.

Nearby, a briskly walking woman crosses the deck.

Just beyond the deck on the sand, a group of girls is enjoying a casual game of baseball. Armed with what looks like a toy bat and ball, they don’t care about strict rules; their cheerful laughter proves that fun is all that matters. Meanwhile, in the foreground, two middle-aged men have set up their portable chairs, sharing snacks and canned beers while engaged in a deep conversation. One of them passionately describes a learning curve—”60% on the first test, 70% on the second… and 96% by the fourth attempt!”—likely recounting his intense preparation for a national qualification exam. Rooted in real personal struggle, his voice carries a compelling, fiery energy.

Two young men on mountain bikes effortlessly glide past, catching the refreshing sea breeze.

No matter when you visit, this deck offers a window into countless different lives. Spending time here, enveloped in this welcoming atmosphere, never fails to leave one feeling deeply enriched.

4月11日、午後3時過ぎ。よく晴れ渡った空の下、海岸沿いのウッドデッキはすでに夏の装いでした。文字通り「日光浴」を楽しむ男たちが、あちこちで場を盛り上げています。上半身裸になり、イスを持参して読書にふける男性や、デッキに仰向けになって日差しを浴びる男性。その姿は、もう真夏そのものです。

一方で、テントを張り、心地よい日陰の中で談笑するグループや、海をじっと眺めて物思いにふける男性の姿も。四輪車を前に座る高齢の方や、お菓子を頬張りながら楽しげに話す男たち、犬を連れて乳母車を押すお母さんも通りがかります。

それぞれの仕草や思いは様々でしょうが、この一瞬を全身でエンジョイしている点では、皆共通しているようです。遠くの海では、白い波が繰り返し浜に押し寄せ、この穏やかな日を祝福しているかのようでした。

A Midsummer Scene on the Deck: Soaking Up the Sunshine in Many Ways

April 11th, shortly after 3 PM. Under a perfectly clear sky, the coastal wooden deck was already embraced by a summer-like atmosphere. Men literally “sunbathing” animated the scene everywhere. Some, shirtless, had brought chairs to indulge in reading, while others lay flat on their backs on the deck, soaking up the sun’s rays. Their presence made it feel like the height of summer.

On the other hand, there were groups that had set up tents, enjoying conversation in the pleasant shade, and a man gazing intently at the sea, lost in thought. An elderly person sat in front of a four-wheeled walker, and a group of men chatted happily while snacking. A mother walking a dog and pushing a baby stroller also passed by.

While each person’s gestures and thoughts were surely varied, they all seemed to share the common goal of fully enjoying this moment with their entire being. Out in the distant ocean, white waves repeatedly rolled onto the beach, as if celebrating this peaceful day.

4月5日、午後4時前の菱沼海岸。荒々しい波音が響く中、砂浜の一角が即席の野球場に変わっていました。

お父さんがバットを構え、息子さんがピッチャーを務める、親子水入らずのバッティング練習です。少年の足元には十数個ものボールが用意され、準備は万端。「さあ、かかってこい！」とお父さんが威勢よくバットを構えます。

「お父さん、行くよ！」と投じられた一球目は低めのコース。お父さん、力一杯振りますが……「オッと、空振りだ」。続く二球目は絶好のストライクゾーン！……に見えましたが、これも空振り。三球目もバットは空を切り、快音はなかなか聞こえてきません。お父さん、大丈夫でしょうか？四球目は大きく後ろへ逸れ、これは当然の見逃し。五球目、六球目と練習は続きます。

ふと左側に目をやると、おじいさんとお母さんが小さな子供を遊ばせている穏やかな光景も。

強い風と白波が寄せる厳しい自然の中でも、ここは家族にとって大切なコミュニケーションを育む、包容力に満ちた空間となっていました。快音こそ響かなくとも、共に白球を追うこの時間は、何物にも代えがたい宝物。いつかこの砂浜から、本物のホームラン王が誕生する日が来るかもしれませんね。

A Windy At-Bat: Training the Future Home Run King

April 5th, shortly before 4 PM at Hishinuma Beach. Despite the strong winds and the rhythmic crashing of white waves against the shore, the beach had transformed into a makeshift baseball diamond.

A father and son were engrossed in their own private batting practice amidst the invigorating sea breeze. With about a dozen balls scattered at the boy’s feet, they were ready for a serious session. “Alright, bring it on!” the father shouted, gripping his bat with both hands. “Here it comes, Dad!” the boy called out. The first pitch was low, and the father swung with all his might—only to miss. The second ball seemed to fly right through the strike zone, but once again, the bat met only air. The third swing followed suit, with no satisfying “crack” of the bat to be heard. One had to wonder if the father was going to be okay! The fourth ball sailed behind the batter, an easy take. The practice continued through the fifth and sixth pitches.

To the left, another family scene unfolded: a grandfather and mother were playing with a young child.

Despite the harsh wind and surging surf, the beach provided a warm, welcoming space for vital family communication. Even without a single hit, the time spent chasing the ball together is a priceless treasure. Who knows? Perhaps a future home run king is being forged right here on the sands of Shonan.

3月28日、16時を過ぎたサザンビーチ。潮風が心地よく吹く中、結婚式場のスタッフによる撮影が行われていました。新郎新婦役にカメラマン、そしてピンク色の風船を手にしたお手伝いさん。プロの撮影隊が砂浜に彩りを添えています。 まずは新郎役の撮影から。この日は少し風が強く、新郎氏は髪の毛の乱れを気にしながらも、整えた瞬間にビシッとポーズを決めていました。一方の新婦役は、ウェディングドレスの長い裾を砂浜で持て余し気味。

そこへ若いカップルが手前を通りかかります。華やかな撮影風景に目を細める彼らも、もしかしたら未来のお客様になるのかもしれませんね。

次は、二人が左手を取り合って高く掲げるポーズ。ドラマチックな演出に、カメラマン氏はローアングルから迫身のショットを狙います。お手伝いさんは周囲をゆっくり回りながら、光の加減を入念にチェック。

その手前では、別のカップルが簡易ベンチに座って静かに海を眺めています。目の前で繰り広げられる「幸せの予行演習」を見ながら、自分たちの将来を重ね合わせているのでしょうか。

遠くからは子供たちの元気な声が響き、リズミカルな波の音と混ざり合う。湘南の春が届けてくれた、心温まる一幕でした。

A Seaside Photoshoot: Scenes Connecting to the Future

March 28th, shortly after 4 PM at Southern Beach. Amidst the pleasant sea breeze, a professional photography team from a local wedding venue was busy at work. The group—models acting as a bride and groom, a photographer, and an assistant holding a bunch of pink balloons—brought a splash of color to the sandy shore. The shoot began with the groom. It was a bit windy, and the young man seemed concerned about his hair, but after a quick adjustment, he struck a sharp pose for the camera. Meanwhile, the bride was struggling slightly with the long train of her wedding dress on the sand.

As they worked, a young couple strolled past in the foreground. Watching the glamorous scene, one couldn’t help but think they might be future clients themselves.

The next scene featured the couple holding their left hands high together. For this dramatic pose, the photographer crouched low to capture a powerful shot, while the assistant moved slowly around them, carefully checking the lighting.

Nearby, another couple sat on a portable bench, gazing at the ocean. Perhaps they were dreaming of their own future while watching this “preview of happiness” unfold before them.

With the energetic shouts of children in the distance and the rhythmic sound of the waves, it was a heartwarming scene brought to us by a Shonan spring afternoon.

3月28日、夕刻間近の砂浜。心地よい春風に誘われて、今日も多くの人々が集まっています。

まず目に飛び込んできたのは、バレーボールに興じる二人の女子。全身でボールを追い、時には「黄色い」声を張り上げながら打ち返す姿は、見ているこちらまで笑顔にしてくれる微笑ましさです。最初はリズム良く続いていたラリーも、そのうちボールはあらぬ方向へ。一人、おかしな仕草で打ったボールは相手には遠すぎて……これには二人して大爆笑。そんな他愛のない時間が、彼女たちの宝物なのでしょう。

目を転じれば、お父さんと息子の家族。子供は砂浜に座り込み、一人静かに砂遊びに夢中です。お父さんはと言えば、せっかくの休日なのにスマホに夢中な様子。

傍らを通り過ぎる黒い犬にリードを付けたお父さんと娘二人の家族は、対照的に活気があります。姉がリードをバーに見立てて高跳びを始めると、犬は自由を求めて波際へ。妹も慌てて犬を追いかけ、最後は一緒に波と戯れていました。

海ではサーファーたちが静かに波を待ち、浜辺では三人組が押し寄せる波から逃げ回る。

広い砂浜、大海原、そして青い空。すべてが優しく調和した、湘南の穏やかな一日でした。

A Beach Symphony: Each Person’s Shade of Blue

March 28th, late afternoon. As the spring sun bathes the sand in golden light, countless stories of families and friends are unfolding, drifting on the sound of the waves. Against the backdrop of the wide sky and the vast ocean, people are spending time in their own way, capturing the essence of a typical, yet precious, day in Shonan.

Down by the water’s edge, two young women are engrossed in a game of beach volleyball. Their energy, complete with high-pitched chirps of excitement as they chase and return the ball with their whole bodies, is a heartwarming sight. Initially, they maintain a decent rally, but soon the ball starts flying in unexpected directions, leading to fits of laughter. When one of them attempts a comical shot that lands far out of her friend’s reach, both burst into uncontrollable giggles. These simple, carefree moments are likely their most cherished treasures.

Turning the gaze, there is a father and son. The young boy is seated on the sand, completely absorbed in playing alone. The father, unfortunately, seems equally absorbed in his smartphone, missing a chance to share the moment.

In contrast, another father with his two daughters and a black dog on a leash exudes lively energy. The older sister uses the leash as a makeshift high jump bar, while the dog, seeking freedom, trots down to the waterline. The younger sister quickly gives chase, and in the end, they all play together in the incoming waves.

Further out, surfers patiently wait for the perfect swell, while a trio on the beach plays a game of tag with the surf.

The expansive beach, the great ocean, and the blue sky—everything harmonizes gently in this peaceful Shonan afternoon.

A Beach Ritual: A Prayer to Nature

3月7日、午後4時近く。湘南の海岸で、少し一風変わった、しかし美しい光景に出会いました。30代から40代前後とおぼしき女性たちのグループが、海を背にしてインストラクターらしい女性の前に集まっています。

グループは十数人。ヨガマットこそありませんが、身一つで気軽に参加できる集まりのようです。インストラクターが大きく両手を上に広げ、動きを止めます。海に向かって、ゆっくりと深呼吸をしているのでしょう。やがて両手は垂直に上がり、まるでバンザイのような形から、今度は胸の前で合わさり、お辞儀をする形へと滑らかに移っていきます。それはまるで、人知を超える大自然に対する、畏敬と感謝の念を表明しているかのようでした。最後はお互いに軽く手をたたき合い、和やかな雰囲気の中で儀式を終えました。

その傍らを、一人のサーファーがボードを片手に静かに通り過ぎていきます。海にはもちろん、波を待つ大勢のサーファーの姿も。祈りを捧げる人、波に挑む人、ただ海を眺める人。ここには千差万別の過ごし方があり、いつまで見ていても飽きることがありません。

March 7th, shortly before 4 PM. On the Shonan coast, I encountered a slightly unusual yet beautiful scene. A group of women, seemingly in their 30s and 40s, gathered on the sand, facing away from the ocean and toward an instructor.

There were about a dozen of them. Though they had no yoga mats, it appeared to be a casual, “come-as-you-are” gathering. The instructor began by stretching both arms wide open, holding the pose. Facing the sea, they must have been taking slow, deep breaths. Soon, their arms raised straight up like a “banzai” gesture before smoothly transitioning into a prayer-like form in front of their chests, ending with a respectful bow. It was as if they were expressing reverence and gratitude to the great, incomprehensible power of nature. They concluded by lightly clapping hands together in a warm, communal gesture.

As they were playing, a lone surfer carrying his board quietly passed by the group. Out in the ocean, of course, many other surfers were waiting for the perfect wave. People offering prayers, people challenging the waves, people just watching the sea. Here, countless different ways of spending time coexist, a spectacle that never ceases to fascinate.

3月1日、16時過ぎ。少しずつ日が長くなってきたとはいえ、早春の海辺はまだ冷え込みます。しかし、そんな寒さを物ともせず、砂浜には13人の元気な中学生らしき一群の姿が。

驚いたことに、そのうちの一人はすでに海水パンツ一枚！水辺に立つ彼らは、波が寄せるたびに上がるしぶきを浴び、上半身まで濡れるのもお構いなしに動き回っています。

彼らが何をしているのかと言えば、特定のスポーツというよりは、ボールを蹴ったりヘディングしたりする「サッカーもどき」かと思えば、傍らでは小さなボールをバットで打つ「野球もどき」に興じる男子も数人。

仲間同士、ただ玉を蹴り、飛び跳ね、大声を張り上げて、わいわいガヤガヤと過ごす。彼らにとってここは、そんな愉快な時間を共有できる最高の遊び場なのでしょう。

はるか遠くには茅ヶ崎のシンボル、えぼし岩が見守る中、早春の浜辺に若者たちの弾けるようなエネルギーが満ち溢れていました。

Youthful Energy in Early Spring: The Beach as a Natural Playground

March 1st, shortly after 4 PM. Although the calendar says spring, the breeze at the shore still carries a sharp winter chill. Yet, on the sands of Chigasaki, the cold seems to have met its match in a group of thirteen energetic teenagers.

One boy, incredibly, is already stripped down to just his swim trunks, seemingly oblivious to the freezing water. As the group gathers at the water’s edge, they are pelted by sea spray that soaks their upper bodies, but they move with a reckless joy, fully embracing the wet and cold.

It’s hard to tell exactly what game they’re playing. It’s a chaotic, wonderful mix of “sort-of soccer”—with boys kicking and heading the ball—and “sort-of baseball,” with a few others swinging bats at smaller balls. To them, the specific rules don’t matter. The beach is simply a place to shout, jump, and laugh with friends.

With the iconic Eboshi-iwa Rock standing silent watch in the distance, these boys turned a quiet March afternoon into a vibrant scene of pure, uninhibited fun. It’s a reminder that here in Shonan, the ocean is the ultimate playground, no matter the temperature.