No tracker movement for a few days as my permission to be in Japan needed a refresh. I made it to Korea with a day to spare, and met up with Yumiko (who was taking a well-earned break from work) in Seoul. Time flew, but we had fun and went up the Namsan Tower for a view of this immense metropolitan area, population 26 million. Mind-boggling that cities function at all, and even more impressive that they seem to function remarkably well.

From Nagasaki, where it rained a lot, I sail and paddle to make it round an outcrop and officially into the East China Sea. The next hop is a crossing of about 13 nm (25 km). Come midday, there is still no reliable wind, but I decide to head out in search of some. I struggle seaward, and about 3 nm from land finally find breeze. Through the middle of the crossing there is sufficient puff to tempt a more ambitious target. I recognise the trap and stick with my plan A: that being the fastest route to land.

Japan Sea to East China Sea

It depends upon who you ask whether this boundary has been crossed. Most reference sources would say that the west facing coast of Kyushu is on the East China Sea, but the authority I usually go with (International Hydrographic Organisation, Limits 1953) puts the boundary meeting the coast at Noma Saki (32°35′ N), at the southern tip of the Nishisonogi Peninsula, a few miles south of Nagasaki.

Some postcards from Honshu and Kyushu. Lots of support coming my way. At Kohaman port, I was particularly grateful to Hironori Arai-san for a lift to a konbini and provision of a shelter on a rainy night.

The following morning took me out to (yet) another impressive exposed headland. The steep slopes a patchwork of countless trees. So many trees... The different greens painted in blotches like an oil painting.

I think that every mile since the last update, six days and four hops ago, has been upwind. For two days it was a pure headwind, fresh at times. Then a north swell rolled in and the wind was entirely absent. Yesterday, it was cross offshore from the left. Today was cross-onshore from the right.

The Shimane coastline has become a favourite of the journey. There are many sandy beaches, and the rockier outcrops are not particularly high or cliff-like. These more gentle features (sometimes, in theory!) encourage stable wind and agreeable sea conditions.