Column

Kawada’s Reflections

Found item

Many people have experienced losing or misplacing something while out and about, such as on a train or other public transport. These are collectively referred to as “lost property.” For example, lost items on trains or at stations are usually kept at the station for a few days before being

Sleep deprivation and forgetfulness

As people reach a certain age, they may experience increased forgetfulness, leading to concerns like, “Could this be dementia?” While a sudden and severe increase in forgetfulness can indeed be a sign of dementia, there’s another possible cause besides illness: Sleep deprivation. Sleep deprivation significantly impacts memory. Memory is controlled

From a hangnail to excruciating pain? Symptoms and treatment of paronychia

What is paronychia suppurativa?Paronychia suppurativa (also known as paronychia) is a disease that develops when small wounds, such as those caused by pulling on a hangnail, become infected with bacteria.It can occur in children with cracked hands or those who bite their nails.The symptoms progress rapidly, with redness and swelling

Side Stretch

Those who suffer from stiff shoulders often also experience stiffness in their armpits.Since this area is often difficult to notice, let’s consciously work on loosening it. Extend both arms towards the ceiling, cross your hands, and bring your palms together.Simply extending your arms as far as you can above your

The smell of rain

Have you ever noticed the smell of rain? That distinctive smell you notice before it starts raining. This smell is called “petrichor,” and it’s produced through the following mechanism: When sunny, dry days continue, plants release oil to protect their seeds, and this oil adheres to nearby soil, stones, and

Multi-story parking garage

Multi-story parking garages, commonly seen in buildings and shopping malls, are a familiar sight throughout Japan. They’re everywhere, and many people have likely used them multiple times. The first multi-story parking garage in Japan was the “Marunouchi Garage,” built in 1929 (Showa 4) in Marunouchi, Tokyo. The first president of