Dreaming of a World Champion during Golden Week

May 4, 2024

On Friday, April 26, just before the long weekend, it suddenly hit me.

Just as I was getting all worked up by myself, the words "Golden Week" flew into my ears.

……That's right, that's what it's always been called. Even the kids know it. I must have been getting too carried away.

Nowadays, everyone and their dog is on Golden Week. Young and old alike run around the garden, enjoying local products at service areas while savoring a break amidst the traffic jams.

As for my family, we aren't really going anywhere. There's a youth baseball schedule to attend to. My wife's friend is coming over, that's about it.

I was planning on brewing some drip coffee to serve and maybe having them call me 'Master'.

Just then, my daughter (6) comes up to me.

"I want to jump rope at the park, so come with me~"

She wants to practice her criss-cross jump.

It was an invitation filled with ambition. I nodded without a moment's hesitation.

Perhaps this child will become a world champion in jump rope in the future. Where are the world championships held, I wonder? I'll have to take time off work to go watch. Is my passport still valid...

My thoughts spinning, I arrive at the park. I nodded at her request to watch. I'll watch as much as she wants. The figure of a future world champion.

-- 3 minutes later --

The jump rope session has ended.
Apparently, it's going to be hot today. I see, if it's hot, then it can't be helped.

And in the heat, my daughter began to play on the playground equipment.

...Left behind, I once again let my thoughts drift to "Golden Week." I wonder if this term truly captures that heart-pounding excitement to its fullest.

In this day and age, we even have Silver Week. The term Golden Week is spoken of as a matter of course. "Golden Week" is no longer a special word.

Shall we try to reinvent these special days once more? Let's give this holiday that everyone loves a new name, one packed with excitement, sparkle, and that sense of something truly special.

Come now, everyone, together.
If I may be so bold, I would like to present my ideas below.

For that sparkling feeling and special image, let's take inspiration from the glory of a gold medal. It is gold. It is golden.

And how should we express the holiday itself? The holiday continues. It is a long holiday spanning two weeks. Thinking of it this way, while the word 'week' is simple, it is fair to say it captures the essence.

It is ready. In other words, it is this.
Its name is'Golden Week'!!

This was delivered to all of you who have no special plans for Golden Week and are just lounging around at home. Now, let's have some coffee and relax even more. Oh, you prefer alcohol? That sounds good too. Thank you for listening.