Colors of My Heart

For the Japanese, plum blossoms (ume) are among the most cherished flowers.  Alongside cherry blossoms, they are known as a symbol of the arrival of spring. When we trace their historical and cultural background, it becomes clear that plum blossoms are deeply connected to the Japanese sense of beauty. Because they bloom in the early spring while the chill of winter still lingers, plum blossoms have long been regarded as a symbol of hope that emerges after enduring harsh conditions. This sentiment has been expressed in countless traditional waka and haiku poems since ancient times. In addition, the plum blossom’s elegant fragrance and dignified appearance have made it a symbol of grace and integrity throughout Japanese history. It is no surprise that plum motifs frequently appear in various aspects of Japanese culture, such as the tea ceremony, traditional paintings, and kimono patterns—reflecting a spiritual aesthetic that resonates deeply with the Japanese heart. Even today, plum ...

Even in the cold of winter, the daffodils blooming in Shinjuku Gyoen stand gracefully, offering comfort and tranquility to those who visit. Their peak season typically spans from mid-December to early February, during which two main varieties can be enjoyed throughout the garden: Paperwhite and Japanese daffodil (Nihon Suisen). The Paperwhite variety features pure white petals and a white central corona, giving a delicate and elegant impression. In contrast, the Japanese daffodil has a yellow corona that beautifully contrasts with its white petals, and its subtle fragrance adds to its charm. These daffodils can be found in several areas of the garden, including along the path just inside the Shinjuku Gate, around the Lower Pond, near the Service Center, and in front of the Eco House. Each location offers a unique atmosphere in which to appreciate the flowers. The photos I have uploaded this time were all taken along the path immediately after entering through the Shinjuku Gate. For pho...

 The garden located in Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture, is a famous destination for robai (wax plum) flowers, which bloom every winter and attract many visitors with their vibrant yellow blossoms. The garden is situated at the foot of Mount Hōtōzan, offering opportunities for hiking and mountaineering. At the summit of the mountain stands the Hōtōzan Shrine, making it a popular tourist spot. Additionally, the Chichibu area is known for its hot springs and other tourist attractions, so it's highly recommended to explore the surrounding area after enjoying the robai flowers. Robai are winter-blooming flowers known for their strong fragrance and striking yellow color. They typically bloom from December to January, offering a splash of bright color in the cold season, becoming a winter tradition for those who visit. The Hōtōzan Robai Garden spans approximately 2.2 hectares, and thousands of robai trees are planted throughout the garden. A variety of robai species are cultivated, and ...

  Shinjuku Gyoen is a wonderful place to photograph throughout the seasons.  In autumn, the vibrant reds of the maple trees are stunning, but the golden hues of the ginkgo leaves are equally breathtaking. The contrast between the clear blue sky and the brilliant yellow foliage creates a truly captivating scene.  Moreover, the overlapping colors of crimson maples and golden ginkgoes offer a harmony so beautiful that I find myself wanting to keep photographing endlessly. This particular visit was captured with my PEN camera. Looking back at these photos now, I can’t help but feel a nostalgic desire to use the PEN again.     Olympus PEN E-P2 / M.Zuiko ED 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 / 1/60s / F5.6 / ISO200 / ± 0.0     Olympus PEN E-P2 / M.Zuiko ED 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 / 1/400s / F4.5 / ISO200 / ± 0.0     Olympus PEN E-P2 / M.Zuiko ED 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 / 1/6s / F5.6 / ISO100 / ± 0.0     Olympus PEN E-P2 / M.Zuiko ED 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 / 1/2000s / F6.5 / I...

Even after coming to Japan, Sammy’s lifestyle remained unchanged. She spent her days sunbathing and napping peacefully.  Whenever work got hectic, I often found myself thinking, 'I wish I could be Sammy.' Two years later, when our daughter was born and life became a whirlwind of activity, Sammy was also swept up in the chaos—but that story is for another time.     Olympus PEN E-P2 ／ M.Zuiko ED 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 ／ 1/4s ／ F3.5 ／ ISO100 ／ 0.0     Olympus PEN E-P2 ／ M.Zuiko ED 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 ／ 1/200s ／ F5.1 ／ ISO100 ／ 0.0 Olympus PEN E-P2 ／ M.Zuiko ED 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 ／ 1/400s ／ F5.6 ／ ISO100 ／ 0.0 Olympus PEN E-P2 ／ M.Zuiko ED 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 ／ 1/80s ／ F5.6 ／ ISO100 ／ 0.0 Participating in the ranking If you think the content is good, please click and follow. 気に入っていただけましたら応援よろしくお願い致します。 にほんブログ村 にほんブログ村