The ability of some Japanese to sleep practically anywhere, particularly when it’s somewhere very public, never ceases to amaze me. And this fella, with his shoes off and sheet down, looks like he couldn’t be anymore comfortable if he was flat out on a futon.

Some people play sports, whereas others take pictures of other people, but plenty of Japanese pensioners plainly prefer painting as a pastime.

And, as a way of kicking back and blocking out the more bothersome things in life, it would appear to be pretty much perfect.

A parasol, some paint, and perhaps most importantly, plenty of peace and quiet.

A ponder.

And a peruse.

Of the petals.

Summer in Japan is all well and good, but back in the spring, sitting and reading without worrying about disappearing in a pool of perspiration was particularly pleasant.