Dreams spoken under the cherry blossoms are the dreams that come true
March is the season when cherry blossoms start to bloom everywhere in Japan. I believe cherry blossoms have a secret power. This season is the time when my room becomes a sanctuary with a view because there is a big cherry tree just in front of my place. When in full bloom, since the blossoms face downwards toward us, this big cherry tree is just like one big pink blanket covering my room, so much that I feel like I'm being embraced.
Before the Sakura bloomed, I ordered tatami mats made by craftsmen from Hiroshima with domestically produced rush (igusa). It is like an authentic style of clean beauty in Japan. The rush, Igusa, has about 20% phytoncides with natural bactericidal properties. The scent of a forest, phytoncides, is also in air fresheners. For daily use, I often use woody notes that have a relaxing effect, like forest bathing. I don't find this smell offensive. Now that the tatamis have been installed this year, I can enjoy springtime much more.
Each year, the blooming of that cherry tree takes place approximately a week later than the other cherry blossoms in Tokyo. This year, the blossoms finally appeared at the end of March.
In the early morning, it is the most exquisite time. There is a white mass floating in the dim morning scenery that gradually emerges. Something great made the cherry blossoms faintly powdery pink, and the cherry blossoms illuminated by the orange-tinged morning sun make them look even more plump and full. Birds tweet in that nook before people wake up. From my special seat, I am able to see how and when birds eat cherry flowers.
Luckily, my place is located on a hill in a residential area with no high-rise buildings. I can see the eastern and western skies without obstructions, and experience the sunrise and sunset every time on earth. Looking a little further away from the window, I can see a larger cherry tree nestled in both the east and south windows. The window frames have a pink tint. It is as if the cherry blossoms are spreading both of their arms out. Whether they melt into milky white on cloudy days or contrast with blue skies on sunny days, each is beautiful in its own way.
When the sun sets in the western sky, the cherry blossoms, lit by natural light, display a different face than when the sun rises in the morning. As the wind moves the clouds, light overflows from a crack in the clouds. With the sun changing throughout the day, unlimited varieties of light are cast on the tree. I would like to spend all day watching the tree. In cherry blossom season, the weather is changeable; even on rainy days, I can see the cherry blossoms and glittering drops of water dripping on the petals. It is probably like the top luxury hotel view in the world at this season.
I talk to the cherry tree all year long. I believe that trees have spirits and can communicate. It stimulates my genuine desire to talk to trees and flowers. It seems timid at first glance, but if you give it a chance to get to know the tree, you discover its true character. I'm sure I've been looking at this tree the most, at least for years. And it redeems a pledge with us once a year, sure. That's actually quite a cool fact, isn't it? It should be tended to more respectfully.
It is said that dreams spoken under the cherry blossoms are the dreams that come true. But a dream that is realized within a year. It is because of their promise of blooming every year beautifully that they are so sincere. It is an easy question and answer: we just forget about dreams after one year. I feel sentimental thinking about how many more times I can see these cherry blossoms here, but no matter how many cherry blossoms I see growing on the ground where this single tree with roots is connected, I think I'll remember this cherry blossom first.
I brought a bottle of Kasumi-Sake. It is in the hue of a cloud, a floaty milky white drink, delivered direct from the brewery for a special occasion. I make an offering to the cherry tree, and drink sake containing that power. When I look at the cherry blossoms like this, it feels like Heaven is giving me a present. Glorious light flows into my room with lots of angels. There is a pillar of light flowing through my place. I don't know how I can describe how much I love the way it shines and pours in, and the way tons of reflective lights and shadows created by the cherry blossoms jump into my place. It takes the brilliant pink atmosphere of fading into obscurity, and through my mind, becomes immortal as picturesque time lives on as ever.