Things you should know

— Posted inFukushima, Science, Technology — 3 min read

Long-Term Management of Nuclear Waste and Plutonium-239 (Pu-239)

Latest Update: 24 February 2025

1. 240,000 Years—A Legacy We Cannot Ignore

Plutonium-239 (Pu-239) is an exceptionally dangerous radioactive substance produced during nuclear fission reactions. Its half-life is approximately 24,000 years, meaning that it will take at least 240,000 years—ten times its half-life—for its radioactivity to diminish to 1/1000 of its original level and become effectively harmless to the human body. This immense timescale underscores the fact that the management of Pu-239 is a challenge far beyond any single generation.

The number 240,000 years is also the origin of this blog’s title. It serves as a stark reminder that this issue transcends human time perception, extending far beyond the scope of recorded history and human civilisation as we know it. The decisions made today will not only impact the present generation but will leave consequences that stretch across an almost inconceivable span of time.

2. The Necessity of Long-Term Management

To safely manage the radioactivity of Pu-239, long-term monitoring and containment are absolutely essential. Geological disposal is considered the most promising method, which involves burying radioactive waste deep within stable geological layers to prevent radiation from reaching the surface. Given that Pu-239 will continue to emit radiation over millennia, it is imperative to isolate it in a secure underground repository to mitigate its impact on human health.

3. The Cost of Long-Term Management

The construction and maintenance of geological disposal facilities incur enormous costs. For example, Finland’s Onkalo facility has a construction cost estimated at around 1 trillion yen (8 billion euros). This figure not only covers the building of the facility but also its long-term maintenance, which will require monitoring and upkeep over hundreds, even thousands of years. The annual costs for surveillance and maintenance could reach several hundred billion yen.

In Japan, the management of radioactive waste, including Pu-239 from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Disaster, is expected to require a similar level of investment. Although specific construction and operational costs remain undetermined, long-term management is anticipated to cost trillions of yen.

4. Responsibility to Future Generations

The disposal of radioactive materials presents challenges that cannot be fully resolved with current technology. Nevertheless, it is our responsibility to ensure that the burden is not placed on future generations. It is imperative to develop long-term management plans and implement measures that minimize the risks. What we do now will have a lasting impact on future generations.

The choices we make today will determine the risks borne by those yet to be born. It is our duty to prevent passing this burden onto the next generation without ensuring a proper solution. Our current decisions will shape the future.

Everyone, I ask you all—lend me your wisdom and strength.

References

  • Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA). (2024). Metabolism of Plutonium. ATOMICA.JAEA.GO.JP.
  • Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA). (2024). The Use and Safety of Plutonium. J-Stage.JST.GO.JP.
  • Finland’s Onkalo Geological Disposal Facility (2024). Estimated Construction and Maintenance Costs.

Further Considerations

The radioactive decay of Pu-239 follows a predictable pattern. With a half-life of 24,000 years, its radioactivity will decrease by half over that period, then continue halving to 1/4, 1/8, and so on. To reach 1/1000 of its original level, it will require approximately ten times its half-life. This underscores the immense timescale required before Pu-239 can be deemed safe.

Minority Report

— Posted inFamily, Personal — 2 min read

“Akko-chan,” my mum, aged 81, schizophrenia, is gradually growing weaker. It may not be today or tomorrow, and probably not even a year from now, but the day of saying “goodbye” is certainly drawing near. The time I can spend with Akko-chan is limited. Since there is so little time left, I want to do whatever I can to show my gratitude and respect. I want her to live out her remaining years peacefully, and I will do whatever it takes to make that happen. I will give it my all.

My mum’s vitality comes from the time she spends with her granddaughters. So, I want to increase that time as much as possible. Perhaps because I don’t have a wife or children, these two nieces are especially dear to me. It’s been 14 years since they evacuated and left Fukushima after the 3.11 disaster. The time my Mum spent with them has been limited. The four years during the pandemic, when they couldn’t meet, was a big blow. Now is the time to recover what was lost during that period.

I’ve decided to think carefully about what I can do for my Mum and nieces and take action. “If I change, the world changes.” I believe in ‘yuishiki.’ Small actions can bring big changes. Time is limited. I will face it with all my effort, doing what I can now, and doing what should be done now. That is the filial piety I can offer and a step forward toward the future.

My family precepts.

— Posted inFamily, Personal — 1 min read

1.Cherish your name.
2.Stand by the weak.
3.Consciousness alone: change yourself, change the world.
4.Serve the public, unbound by personal affairs.
5.Recognise that your adversary holds justice with equal fervour.
6.Value the pursuit of understanding the unknown.
7.Resolve matters democratically through discussion; never resort to force.
8.Ensure freedom of speech for democratic organisation.
9.Preserve good traditions; end bad ones in your time.
10.Acquire wisdom to distinguish between what can and cannot be changed.
11.Continue learning until your final breath.
12.Constantly challenge your limits; strengthen mind and body to elevate them.
13.Pursue enlightenment.
14.Preparation is key.
15.Understand your role and fulfil its responsibilities.
16.Single-minded truth: believe solely in truth and uphold it. Proceed with sincere honesty.

Senba-Jiru Recipe (Quick Version)

— Posted inFood, Health & Fitness — 2 min read

Senba-Jiru Recipe (Quick Version)

“Semba-jiru is a taste of Osaka’s merchant town, a type of ‘shimatsu no ryouri,’ meaning a frugal and resourceful dish that makes full use of ingredients. This is a classic example of Japan’s humble yet delicious home-cooked cuisine.” It’s cost-effective, full of flavour, and takes less than 30 minutes using canned mackerel and frozen vegetables in the microwave—simple and easy!

Ingredients (Serves 2–3)

  • Canned mackerel (in water) … 1 can (approx. 150g)
  • Frozen spinach … 100g
  • Shimeji mushrooms … 100g (trimmed and separated into small clusters)
  • Frozen chopped spring onions … as needed
  • Still water … 750ml
  • Sake … 2 tbsp
  • Light soy sauce … 2 tbsp
  • Salt … 1/2 tsp (adjust to taste)
  • Optional: Dried seaweed or konjac for added texture and flavour

Instructions

  1. Heating
    Place 750ml of still water, canned mackerel (including the liquid), frozen spinach, frozen chopped spring onions, sake, and shimeji mushrooms in a microwave-safe container. If using dried seaweed or konjac, add them at this stage. Heat in a 500W microwave for 10 minutes.
  2. Seasoning
    After heating, add light soy sauce and salt, stir well, and adjust seasoning if needed.
  3. Serving
    Serve in bowls and enjoy.

Tips

  • Using the liquid from the canned mackerel enhances the umami flavour.
  • Adding shimeji mushrooms enriches the overall taste.
  • Light soy sauce and salt should be added after heating to preserve their flavours.
  • You can enhance the dish by adding dried seaweed or konjac for extra texture and depth.
  • A quick and easy dish, perfect for busy days, taking less than 30 minutes to prepare.

Sweet Beans (Lectin-Free & Erythritol-Sweetened)

— Posted inFood, Health & Fitness — 2 min read

Pressure Cooker Simmered Sweet Beans

This vibrant and nutritious sweet bean dish is a traditional Japanese recipe, great for a health-conscious diet, fitting the Lectin-Free guidelines by Steven R. Gundry, MD, with lectins reduced by pressure cooking and virtually calorie-free. The pressure cooker was used according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Ingredients (Serves a Medium Batch)

  • Black beans – 1 cup
  • Kidney beans – 1 cup
  • Aohada beans – 1 cup
  • Still water – approximately 1.5L (enough to submerge the beans by about one index finger’s depth)
  • Erythritol – approximately 200g
  • Soy sauce (gluten-free, additive-free) – 1 tbsp
  • Salt – a pinch

Instructions

  1. Pre-soaking the Beans
    Rinse the black beans, kidney beans, and aohada beans thoroughly. Soak them in plenty of still water for at least 8 hours or overnight.
  2. Scum Removal (Shibukiri)
    Before pressure cooking, perform a quick scum removal (shibukiri) by bringing the beans to a boil in still water, then draining and rinsing them.
    Before pressure cooking, perform a quick scum removal (shibukiri) by bringing the beans to a boil in fresh still water, then draining and rinsing them.
  3. Cooking in the Pressure Cooker
    Drain the soaking still water and place the beans in a pressure cooker with approximately 1.5L of fresh still water (enough to submerge the beans by about one index finger’s depth). Add erythritol gradually, adjusting to taste, along with salt and soy sauce before pressure cooking. Use the accompanying drop lid (otoshibuta) to keep the beans submerged while cooking.
    Pressure cook on high for about 15 minutes.
    Allow the pressure to release naturally. Use the accompanying drop lid (otoshibuta) to keep the beans submerged while cooking.
    pressure cook on high for about 15 minutes.
    Allow the pressure to release naturally.
  4. Resting the Beans
    After pressure cooking, do not open the lid. Let the beans rest overnight to allow the flavors to blend deeply.
  5. Simmering to Concentrate Flavors
    The next day, open the lid and simmer on low heat until the liquid reduces to your preferred consistency. Adjust the flavor by adding more erythritol if needed.

Key Points for a Lectin-Free & Healthy Sweet Bean Dish
✔ Pressure cooking significantly reduces lectins.
✔ Erythritol keeps the sweetness light and calorie-free.
✔ A mix of black beans, kidney beans, and aohada beans provides a variety of textures and flavours.

Senba-Jiru Recipe (Quick & Miso Version)

— Posted inFood, Health & Fitness — 1 min read

“Semba-jiru is a taste of Osaka’s merchant town, a type of ‘shimatsu no ryouri,’ meaning a frugal and resourceful dish that makes full use of ingredients.” It’s cost-effective and full of flavour!

Ingredients (Serves 2–3)

  • Canned mackerel (in water) … 1 can (approx. 150g)
  • Frozen spinach … 100g
  • Shimeji mushrooms … 100g (trimmed and separated into small clusters)
  • Frozen chopped spring onions … as needed
  • Still water … 750ml
  • Sake … 2 tbsp
  • White miso … 2 tbsp
  • Red miso … 2 tbsp

Instructions

  1. Heating
    Place 750ml of still water, canned mackerel (including the liquid), frozen spinach, frozen chopped spring onions, sake, and shimeji mushrooms in a microwave-safe container. Heat in a 500W microwave for 10 minutes.
  2. Finishing Touches
    Stir in the miso and serve in bowls.

Tips

  • Using the liquid from the canned mackerel enhances the umami flavour.
  • Adding shimeji mushrooms enriches the overall taste.
  • Miso is added at the end to preserve its delicate flavour.
  • A quick and easy dish, perfect for busy days.

Thunderstruck

— Posted inFood, Health & Fitness, Personal — 4 min read

The reason why I practice the Lectin-Free Diet.
Last November, my life took a dramatic turn. It wasn’t a coincidence or a small change—it was ‘a Copernican shift’ in how I viewed my health and well-being. This transformation began with two books, “The Plant Paradox” and “Gut Check” by Dr. Steven Gundry, which introduced me to the . By incorporating their principles into my life, I’ve experienced a profound improvement in my health.

To put it simply: I feel better.
The medications that once filled my days—painkillers, stomach medicine, anti-inflammatory compresses—are now largely unnecessary. My body is healing, my energy has returned, and I’m no longer tied to the cycle of being constantly drugged and bedridden.

To be honest, I didn’t go on this diet to lose weight. That was never my goal. What drove me was the desire to break free from a life of chronic pain and drug dependency. I’d spent more than half my life in bed and I wanted out. I wanted to build a life where I didn’t just survive but thrive, where I could provide for myself and my family without being held back by my health. I absolutely want to avoid having my mum, an elderly person who suffers from , to take care of me.

How It All Started
I stumbled upon “The Plant Paradox” through a Kindle recommendation—an example of AI actually working in my favor! ‘Dr. Gundry’s books’ opened my eyes to the hidden dangers of , toxic proteins found in many common foods we’ve long believed to be healthy.

Foods like wheat, beans, tomatoes, and even some dairy products contain lectins, which Gundry identifies as a key contributor to inflammation, gut issues, and other chronic conditions. This revelation was life-changing for me. Could it be that much of what I thought was “healthy” was actually hurting me?

The Lectin-Free Diet encourages eliminating these harmful foods and replacing them with lectin-free alternatives. It’s not just about what you take away—it’s about what you add to your life: better energy, reduced inflammation, and a body that feels truly nourished.
For more information, I recommend exploring ‘Dr. Gundry’s work’ and visiting “Gundry MD”.

The Challenges
As transformative as this diet has been, it hasn’t been without its challenges. Living in Japan, I quickly realized that many of the ingredients and recipes in ‘Dr. Gundry’s books’ don’t translate well here. Staples like rice, miso, and soy products are off-limits, and finding affordable, lectin-free options can be difficult.

But I’ve made it work. I’ve adapted recipes, searched for local alternatives, and learned to create delicious, affordable meals that fit the Lectin-Free guidelines. It’s not always easy, but the results are worth every effort.

Why I’m Sharing My Journey
This diet isn’t just about me—it’s about the possibility of inspiring others. I know there are countless people out there struggling with chronic illnesses, desperate for solutions that actually work. My message to them is simple: change is possible.

If you’re feeling trapped by your health, I want you to know that there’s hope. By making mindful adjustments to your diet and lifestyle, you can regain control of your life, just as I have.

The Bigger Picture
This journey has taught me so much more than just what to eat. It has reshaped how I approach life itself.

Took me a very long time to learn how to live in harmony:

To accept what I can’t change.
To change what I can.
To accept that the only thing I can control is my own actions, not what others make of them.
To accept uncertainty.
To accept my darkness and fears.
To embrace my own shadow.
To surrender to the flowing universe.
To be grateful for the small things in life.
To always choose kindness over hatred.
Courage over fear.
Acceptance over fight.
It’s not always simple… but it’s worth it.

This is my credo, a beautiful poem, which is written by “Ju”.—a reminder that the journey to better health is also a journey to inner peace and resilience. I hope sharing my story helps others find their path, too.

Am I loaded up with medicines ?

— Posted inHealth & Fitness, Personal — 1 min read

Previous illnesses
Congenital atrial septal defect
Anaphylaxis caused by COVID-19 vaccination

Chronic diseases
Psychosis on a spectrum?
Neural pain caused by neurological disorders
Gout
Chronic arthritis
Chronic allergic rhinitis
Chronic dermatitis
Chronic sinusitis
Anemia
Blood sugar spike
The right eye has strong astrastism and Presbyopia.
Myopia and presbyopia in the left eye
Alveolar pyorrhea of the right upper jaw

Signs of recovery?

— Posted inFamily, Health & Fitness — 1 min read

My mother took a bath for the first time in 63 days since November 20, 2024. It wonder that she didn’t often get infected. It must have been refreshing, before and after bathing, the expression is completely different. She is and is not good at assembling schedules. 1-day schedule, 1-week schedule. So I had to manage her bathing schedule, but I had been struggling for 63 days. Since the end of November, her mental condition has been broken due to the severe weather, but I hope she can bottom out and recover and regain her angel smile.

That’s the decision we’ve made!

— Posted inFamily, Health & Fitness, Personal — 1 min read

As a result of discussing with my mum, we decided to post our real names and face photos if it was necessary to share our episodes and story. She says that she would like to be of some help to patients and their families who are suffering from the same disease – . I respect the decision of my mother, who is 81 years old, and I strongly support her. We would like as many people as possible to have the knowledge and the awareness of what schizophrenia is. Most patients and their families can’t speak up, even in an age when so much information can be sent.

Please keep an eye on us warm.

Posts are planned soon.

— Posted inFamily, Food, Health & Fitness, Personal — 1 min read

I’d like to share my findings and thoughts on the with everyone through my blog and Vivaldi Social.

Vivaldi Social
Records of my daily meals.
If it can be of any help, such as recipes using ingredients available in everyday Japanese grocery stores, I’d be delighted.

My Blog
I’d like to explain the following in detail and carefully.
Why and for what am I practising the ?
How did I put it into practice and how did it work?


In addition, through the blog, I’d like to introduce the smiling daily life with my mum, an 81-year-old, elderly person, who lives peacefully and enjoys a small . I do believe that for most patients and their families who eventually give up and give in to the system, she is a ray of hope.

A quote from “Hidden Valley Road”

Mantra for young sprinters

— Posted inHealth & Fitness, Personal, Sports — 1 min read

Practice! Practice! Practice!

If you stand on the starting line, the miracles will not happen. There are absolutely no miracles! In the world of athletics, connections are useless. Family status, personality, education and looks have nothing to do with it. There is only hard work and training. There’s no magic, no medicine, no special moves to make you run faster. Just simple repetition of the basics. The only way to succeed is through hard work and practice. Today, you will overcome yesterday’s self! Never forget that in the world of athletics, especially in the 100m, talents never come down, absolutely! It’s easy to set a good record in a game. Good practice and preparation leads to a good result. Anything is possible!

I wish you good luck!