I was a boy fighting invisible enemies—with a newspaper sword and my mother's smile.

When I was little, I used to pretend to be a sentai hero, fighting invisible enemies.
Of course, there were no real villains. But there was definitely an 'enemy' in my heart, and by defeating it, I felt like I was protecting the world. That is the kind of story this is.

1. After Turboranger

To me at the time, "Turboranger" was the greatest hero show.
When the broadcast ended, my mother would roll up newspaper to make me a 'sword.' I would take it in my hand and challenge her to a serious fight. Of course, my opponent was my mother.
But children don't know how to hold back. I think I must have thrown punches and kicks without mercy.
—Back then, my mother's laughter was my favorite background music.

2. On days when Mom was busy, I did it in my head.

When my mother was busy in the kitchen, I would dive into a world of imagination.
The living room would become a battlefield, and I could see enemies beyond the air. I was fighting in earnest.
No one was watching, but for that moment, I feel like I was truly a hero.

3. Those 'invisible enemies' back then

Thinking about it now, perhaps they were symbols of loneliness, anxiety, or emotions I couldn't put into words.
Even so, if I held the newspaper sword my mother made, I could feel a little stronger.
—Even now that I'm an adult, I sometimes think to myself.
Just like back then, I'm still fighting invisible enemies.