That girl I'm curious about

Round eyes and plump lips.
A two-head-tall body in an eye-catching color.

As a young child, I fell in love with that adorable character, and I begged my parents for merchandise of that character for my birthday.

I spent the last few decades having forgotten about that character I once loved so much.

However

I have reunited with them.

That character I loved so much.

Yes, it is

Hangyodon

Hangyodon is one of the Sanrio characters. I imagine many people were into Sanrio characters when they were young.

Now that I've gotten used to a life without owning many things, I have almost no desire for material goods, only an appetite for food and sleep.

And yet, I have reunited with Hangyodon, who threatens that lifestyle of mine?!

A pouch to tuck into my bag. Hangyodon.

A keychain for my bicycle. Hangyodon.

Stationery to use at the office. Hangyodon.

"If it's practical, it's okay."

Based on that personal rule, I've incorporated them into my life just a little bit.

Just looking at them is healing.

The healing effect is immense.

Every day is a little happier.

Kind colleagues and coworkers at the office who noticed my Hangyodon stationery gave me Hangyodon items.

I feel bad because I'm always the one receiving, but contrary to that hesitation, my eyes are dazzled by how cute they are, so I immediately reach out and accept them. I know I should be happy, but perhaps I should learn a little more restraint.

It pains me to dampen such kindness, but

you shouldn't turn Hangyodon into gummy candy

I haven't been able to eat the Hangyodon gummies my coworker gave me for over a month.

When should I eat them?

The expiration date is next year, so I think I'll take another year to think about it.

I rarely buy paper books, and my reading is almost entirely dependent on Kindle Unlimited.

The only book I picked up last year was "Naruse Takes Over the World." I gave that book to my nephew as soon as I finished reading it. I thought to myself, maybe I won't buy any more physical books...

Then, one day in March, I, who had been thinking that way,
encountered a book I absolutely had to have.

I didn't even flip through it at the bookstore; I bought it just for the cover.

This is it.

I never dreamed that after several decades, I would be taught the teachings of Laozi by Hangyodon.

It seems Laozi left behind many words related to "water." He said that there is much for people to learn from the way "water" exists.

Since Hangyodon is a creature that lives in the sea, he is perfect for the teachings of Laozi.

Along with cute illustrations of Hangyodon, the book explains Laozi's teachings in easy-to-understand modern language.

Thanks to Hangyodon being on the cover, I was able to face Laozi, whom I hadn't encountered since my school textbooks.

This book has become my current bible.

It seems Hangyodon is celebrating his 40th anniversary this year. To commemorate that,
this song was also released by Sanrio.

Hangyodon is moving!
He's dancing!!
Hangyodon is
"Trying to smile even on the worst days"
singing that!!!
So moving!!!!!

I'm sure I'm responsible for hundreds of the 610,000 views it currently has.

As expected of the world-class Sanrio, they really know exactly what fans find cute about Hangyodon!

My heart was completely captured by everything in the Hangyodon dance. If you have time, please take a look.

Thank you, Sanrio, for the wonderful song and the moving Hangyodon!!!