Copyright Diana Green 2020.
Every year, Japanese people rejoice in the change of season, grateful to see the beauty, the change of air, the softness along with a delicate sweet fragrance as Spring is announced via the arrival of the cherry blossom, ‘Sakura’ .
Suddenly and how quickly season changes can be seen. It beautifully reminds us that Winter has past. This year the cherry blossom season came early to bless us – it came and went quickly revealing a snap shot of time. Birth and mortality come to mind.
I walked through parks, along canals, stopping to enjoy a picnic ‘Hanami’ under the cherry blossoms. I found my way early one morning to Roppongi, seated under an umbrella of soft pink petals, admiring the beauty of tiny buds as petals emerge blossoming into form. The blossoms live briefly until they slowly and gracefully fall to the ground. This is nature at its best, nature contrasted to a back drop, a juxtaposition of the built environment.
Spring is the season for new beginnings, awakening and growth.
‘Sakura’ season points to a time of visual joy, knowing the transience of life.