May 11: Are all birds one-of-a-kind 'local mascots'?

Good morning. This is Tori-ji. Yesterday, on Cotton Day, I mentioned that I was 'reflecting on overeating,' and if you're wondering what happened after that...

Yes, as you might have guessed. In the evening, an acquaintance gave me some delicious food as a gift, and with the greatest mystery of human resolve—'I'll start (my diet) for real tomorrow'—I finished it all. (Bitter laugh). My lack of willpower seems to be reaching the level of a 'traditional performing art'.

Now, today, May 11th, is apparently 'Local Mascot Day.' The term 'yuru-chara' (mascot character) has become well-established, but there is something wonderful about these one-of-a-kind beings that you can only meet if you visit that specific place.

Actually, for those of you living with birds, this might ring a bell. Yes, each and every one of our beloved birds is the ultimate 'local mascot of our home'.

Characters with 'my rules' that seem similar but are completely different

It is often said that 'budgies are cheerful' or 'cockatiels are laid-back,' but when you actually live with them, there are so many things that cannot be explained by words in a guidebook alone.

• A 'chatty character' who, for some reason, starts screaming in competition the moment the owner starts a phone call.

• A 'romantic character' who dedicates a passionate love dance only to a specific towel.

• A 'brave (?) character' who spreads its wings and threatens the vacuum cleaner like the greatest warrior when it starts making noise.

Truly, these characters with their own unique 'local rules' that exist only in that house and in that cage are what color our daily lives.

The land of 'yesterday,' the land of 'today'

In yesterday's blog, I talked about how 'yesterday's bird is different from today's bird.' If we compare this to 'local mascots,' perhaps birds are traveling through their own new local region every day.

In the place called 'yesterday's self,' they were a spoiled character, but in the place called 'today's self,' they might be a quiet character who wants to enjoy some time alone right now.

We tend to expect them to 'be the same character as yesterday,' but from their perspective, it might feel like, 'I'm in a different prefecture (mood) right now, so please leave me alone.'

If your beloved bird shows you a different face today than yesterday, try thinking this: 'Oh, a new local mascot has appeared today!'

The richness of accepting differences

My 'dieting fraud' is, in a sense, a regular event common to my own 'local region' (myself). (Is that too much of a rationalization?)

Neither birds nor humans are always constant. There are days when you don't feel like it, and days when your tension suddenly rises. It is precisely because of such 'unevenness' that living creatures are interesting.

Just as local mascots are loved for the individuality of their region, I want to love the individuality of a bird's 'mood for the day' in its entirety.

Making today a 'limited-time event'

What is important is that we, as owners, do not impose a 'mold' on them. It is about finding amusement in the 'local rules' that our birds show us, unique to that very day.

'So, you're running a 'no head scratches allowed' campaign today, are you?' 'Is the kitchen exploration tour a trend right now?'

If we can have the peace of mind to enjoy their current behavior as a 'limited-time event' in that way, life with our birds will become much softer and more colorful.

Now, what kind of 'local mascot' is your beloved bird being today? They might just show you a new special skill or a new 'preference'.

Once again today, please spend a day full of smiles with your one-and-only special 'local mascot' in the world.

As for me, I hope to succeed in my 'eat until 80% full campaign' today... (probably).

~ Seminar/Event Information (involving Tori-Jii) ~

● May 16 (Sat) Online BLA Level 3
https://www.kokuchpro.com/event/20260516bla3/

● May 23 (Sat): Online Bird Lovers School
https://www.kokuchpro.com/event/20260523jku/

● May 30 (Sat) Tokyo: Tori-Jii Terakoya
https://www.kokuchpro.com/event/260530torig/

● June 13-14: 3rd Tori-Ai (Bird Love) Osaka

● June 21 (Sun) Tokyo: Tori-Jii Terakoya
https://www.kokuchpro.com/event/260621torig/

● July 26 (Sun) Tokyo: Tori-Jii Terakoya (In preparation)