Sakura Album, 2026

The period from late March to the second week of April feels so fleeting every year. 

The reason lies in the blooming of 桜 Sakura; its peak is so short that we want to be present 

and appreciate the “now”.

The delicate and elegant beauty of Sakura blossoms is a moving expression of life, death, and rebirth. 

Impermanence is what makes life precious.

- One of the parks in my neighborhood, March 30th -

- Along the 佐保川 Saho River, April 2nd -

- 春日野園地 Kasugano-enchi, Nara Park, April 3rd -

-茶山園地 Chayama-enchi, Nara Park -

奈良の九重桜 Nara-no-kokonoe-zakura species

- Along the 賀茂川 Kamo River, Kyoto, April 6th -

Driving along the Kamo River, Kyoto, and celebrating my husband's birthday.

 Have you ever seen Sakura brizzard?

The falling petals are a spectacular finale that promises the cycle of life.

散るという  飛翔のかたち  花びらは  ふと微笑んで  枝を離れる 
- 俵万智 TAWARA Machi -

Meaning: In their scattering, the (Sakura) petals take flight; with a soft smile, they let go of the branch."

 I like to see the scattering Sakura blossoms not as an end but as a ‘flight’, 
taking to the sky of their own will.

By association,  I think of the two of my grandchildren who graduated from junior-high 

and elementary school  and then entered the new chapter of their lives this spring.
 It's a flight with a cheerful smile — a departure, a journey to the next stage.

Sakura blossoms have an endearing way of whispering a gentle farewell.

There is something sad and uplifting at the same time.

See you next year.

Linked to Saturday's Critters

Mosaic Monday