A Love Letter to the City Where Everything Began
There are places we visit.
And then there are places that shape our lives forever.
For me, that place is Morioka.
Nestled between mountains and rivers, Morioka isn’t loud or flashy. It’s quiet, proud, and full of depth. And for me, it’s not just a city. It’s home, memories, and the start of everything.
Where I Met My Wife
Morioka is where I first met Mai, my wife, my best friend, and the reason I’ll always carry a piece of Iwate in my heart.
And one afternoon, standing beneath those ancient stone walls where a castle once stood, I asked her to marry me.
And the city became something more: a place where our story began.
Where I Built a Life
Morioka isn’t just where I fell in love. It’s where I worked, lived, and got married.
For many years, I taught in Morioka’s various special needs schools and high schools, meeting students who inspired me every day. Their determination, humour, and kindness reminded me why I loved teaching, and why I loved this place.
Why This City Means Everything to Me
To others, Morioka might be a small city in northern Japan. To me, it’s where I learned the rhythm of slow living.
Where I found the joy of local festivals, quiet bookstores, and steaming onsen in the cold.
Where I built a home, not just with walls, but with people and purpose.
And whenever someone asks me where my favorite place in Japan is, I smile and say:
“It’s a little city up north. You probably haven’t heard of it. But it’s called Morioka. And it’s where I found everything I was looking for.”
(Exploring Iwate) Morioka – A Personal Connection
