Hello! My name is Tsutsui, and I’m a Japanese teacher. I joined ICT in April. I’m originally from Kanazawa, and I’d like to share some of my memories of HAKUSAN (Mt. Hakusan) and the HAKUSANROKU (Foothills of Mt. Hakusan).

 When I was in elementary school, I went camping with my family. It was my first time cooking rice with a mess tin and sleeping in a tent. I’ve climbed HAKUSAN (Mt. Hakusan) about three times so far, and it has always been a tough challenge. During every climb, I thought, "I can't go on," so many times, but with encouragement from friends and people around me, and the beautiful scenery lifting my spirits, I managed to push through. While hiking, I often think, "I shouldn't have come," but once I see the sea of clouds or the sunrise, I feel like all the effort has been worth it. The way down is much easier, and after relaxing in a hot spring, I feel so happy. I forget about the struggle and want to climb again.

 When I was in high school, I visited the Iwama Fountain Tower. Hot springs were gushing from the ground. It’s a place where you don’t need to walk much, so I’d like to visit again. Unfortunately, the road is not in good condition anymore, so it’s inaccessible now, which is a shame.

 I used to go skiing often, but I haven’t skied at all recently. Since there is one ski resort close to this campus, I’m hoping to go skiing this year. There are only two ski resorts left in the HAKUSANROKU (Foothills of Mt. Hakusan) area now, but there used to be more. There was even one called "Hakusan Sena Kogen Ski Resort" across from the Hakusanroku campus. From the top of the mountain, you could see the Tedori River Dam Lake.

 Now, I live in the northern part of Kanazawa. On sunny days, I can see HAKUSAN (Mt. Hakusan) from my house. When I see the mountain, I feel drawn to it, and I often drive while admiring its beauty. It always makes me feel refreshed.

Masako Tsutsui