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Palm Edition Novel "Traveling Somewhere" Vol.2 |

There are as many reasons and styles to travel as there are people. The form of such a journey is gently captured in the "Traveling Somewhere" palm novel series. The main character this time is a 29-year-old female copywriter. I'm cheerful on social media, but I was actually struggling with pressure and burnout.

海の向こうの島(女木島)

If you open social media, her posts are always positive and upbeat.
Glamorous cafes, cute sweets, and a fulfilling way to spend your holidays.
It looks like you're enjoying everything in your daily life.
When choosing a photo of that smiling face, the fingers to post are always just a little hesitant.
Because she knows that she is tired that day and that she has a loneliness that she can't tell anyone.

 

Misaki, 29 years old, works as a copywriter at a famous advertising agency in Osaka.
He writes glamorous copy for popular brands, and has been praised as "well received by clients" at planning meetings. However, I felt that the more I accumulated those evaluations, the more the distance between me and my "true self" widened.

 

On weekdays, I am under pressure almost every day.
There were more nights when I couldn't sleep because I was worried that the words I had created were reaching someone.
One day, when I stopped on the way home from the last train and was staring blankly at my smartphone in front of a convenience store, I suddenly saw "Megijima" floating in the Seto Inland Sea in Kagawa Prefecture.

 

"Yes, I went there with my mom the year I started college."

 

At that time, social media and posting were not yet a habit.
Just looking at the sea and feeling the sea breeze filled my heart.
Wanting to regain "that feeling", Misaki bought a ferry ticket to Megijima at 12 o'clock at Takamatsu Port on the weekend without telling anyone.

 

On Friday night, I stayed at a hotel in Takamatsu City the night before.
The next morning, I ate authentic udon noodles and felt a little more familiar with Kagawa.

 

As I boarded the ferry from Takamatsu Port, I felt something slip away as the ship left the port.
After a boat trip of about 20 minutes, we landed at Megijima and were greeted by a gentle Setouchi breeze.

 

Walk along the beach near the harbor and listen to the sound of the waves.
It's an island in the Seto Inland Sea, and when I wanted to post it, the scenery was right next to me.
The light on the waves, the white trails of the ferry, the footprints left in the sand.
If I held the camera, I could take a good picture as usual.

 

But for some reason, his hand stayed in his pocket.
"Maybe I can take a picture later," I said to myself.
For a little while, I felt comfortable not taking pictures.

 

Head to the symbol of the island, the Onigashima Great Cave.
As you climb the steep mountain path and stand at the entrance to the cave, the cool air caresses your skin.
When I entered, the statues of legendary demons were lined up, and silence prevailed.

 

In the evening, in a café facing the sea, I had a casual conversation with the locals.
The word is not a copy, nor is it a catchphrase.
However, it is a common word directed at Misaki herself.
It is different from the copy that passed the competition, which is usually evaluated by the client.
But that ordinary word strangely stuck in my mind.

 

On the highway bus back to Osaka, Misaki quietly closed her eyes.
It was easier for me to be myself without having to embellish.
On this weekend trip, I noticed that.
While thinking about this, I fell into a comfortable sleep before I knew it.
When I woke up, the lights of the city were already oozing outside the window.

 

Back at home, Misaki quietly turned off the notification settings on her phone.
I'm not quitting social media.
But I thought I could let go of the habit of looking at the timeline meaninglessly.

 

"I only post on weekends when I really want to communicate.
Watch only when you want to see it. Other than that, I don't overdo it."

 

I secretly decided on such a small rule.
In the past, when I saw someone else's post, I thought I had to post it myself.
From now on, you should be able to keep up with SNS in your own rhythm.

 

At first, someone may be worried.
"You haven't posted lately" "Did something happen?"
But does that really mean they care about me?

 

By not having Misaki, who was always in the timeline,
The person himself may just feel a little anxious.
I've always been like that.
When someone's post is interrupted, for no reason, I somehow become restless.

 

I'm sure we all supported each other a little bit in that way.
That's fine, and there's nothing wrong with that.
But I wanted to take a step out of there.

The SNS "Instagram", which the main character Misaki decided to keep her distance, was launched in the United States in 2010, and the Japanese version was released in 2014. When Misaki was in her first year of university, it was still in the process of becoming popular, but in 2016, when she was enjoying her student life with her friends, it exceeded 16 million, and in 2019 it reached 30 million. Currently (January 2024), it is used by 66 million people in Japan.

 

■Stage of travel|About Megijima, Kagawa Prefecture

洞窟の入り口(女木島大洞窟)
Megijima Cave © Kagawa Prefecture Tourism Association

 

Megijima Island is located 4 km off the coast of Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture, about 20 minutes by ferry.
Known for the "Legend of Onigashima", there is the Onigashima Great Cave, which is said to be the ruins of a demon's residence in the center of the island.
Surrounded by the serene scenery of the Seto Inland Sea, this island is also known as the venue for the Setouchi International Art Festival, and contemporary art is exhibited throughout the island.

 

In 2025, a contemporary art festival held once every three years on the islands of the Seto Inland Sea, " Setouchi International Art Festival 2025 will be held.
The exhibition will be held in three seasons: spring (4/18-5/25), summer (8/1-31), and autumn (10/3-11/9).
You can enjoy the scenery of the Seto Inland Sea, which changes with the seasons, and the art experience unique to the island.

 

"Traveling Somewhere" is a series of palm novels that depict the inner workings of someone you meet while traveling. Through the protagonist's journey, we will introduce you to various parts of Japan.

✅ Introducing highly-rated hotels and accommodations within walking distance to the port! 【PR】

» JR Hotel Clement Takamatsu There is also a capacity in front of the port.
» Hotel Wing International Takamatsu ・・・ Adjacent to the downtown area (2021 OP)
» TEN to SEN Guest House Takamatsu Highly rated guest house. Near Ritsurin Park.

✔ During the Setouchi International Art Festival 2025, Takamatsu City will be crowded everywhere. If possible, make an early reservation on a weekday.

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