September 9: Manmaru-san’s Wagokoro News

September 9th (Tuesday)

It was a broadcast with Mr. Michiichiro Ito at Sakuraba.

I was sharing my amazing miracle experience born from gratitude, which occurred when I spontaneously decided to travel alone to Munakata Taisha Shrine in Fukuoka for three days and two nights, starting on August 30th.

Although it was my first time traveling alone, I inexplicably woke up that morning, packed my bags, and left the house. After finishing my day's schedule, I boarded the Shinkansen (bullet train) for Hakata.

I had always assumed I couldn't travel alone because I hadn't done it before, and I remained inexperienced until this age. On the Shinkansen, I booked my hotel for the night. Over the five hours, as I ate my lunchbox and dozed off occasionally, a thought struck me: "Wait, I can do this. It's surprisingly enjoyable!" I immediately felt a boost in my self-esteem.

I followed the myth of the Three Goddesses enshrined at Munakata Taisha Shrine: Tagorihime-no-kami, the eldest; Tagitsuhime-no-kami, the second daughter; and Ichikishimahime-no-kami, the third daughter. These goddesses were commanded by Amaterasu Ōmikami (the Sun Goddess) to become the deities who protect the sea connecting the continent and Japan. As I traced their story, I realized how much my five senses were rejoicing in the wind, the light, the songs of birds and insects, and the scent of the earth.

I was deeply moved by the beauty of the words of a bus driver who told me, regarding the occasional rain, "This isn't rain; it's just water being sprinkled to cool the ground (uchimizu)."

My heart was soothed by the greetings I exchanged with the people I met, which brought smiles and, after expressing my gratitude, another miracle would occur.

Finally, an exquisite rainbow appeared after the rain, bringing my journey to an end filled with the emotion and gratitude of feeling truly blessed.

I wonder if the continuous atmosphere of "Wow!" "Oh, really!" and "I see!" that filled the studio during the broadcast reached our listeners. Every time, it's such an enjoyable radio program.

（2025年9月10日）

The 31st Marumaru Club Sansan-kai

September 16: Manmaru-san’s Wagokoro News