" Viewing Cherry-blossoms "

　

When the cheery blossoms start blooming every year, I feel spring has come. Seeing cherry blossoms gives us the feeling that spring has begun. We enjoy looking at the cheery blossoms in full bloom. Sometimes we eat lunch under the trees, or even enjoy them at night. I can't explain with any words how beautiful they are lit up by lanterns. They are also picturesque when the petals are falling and are being blown by the wind. This is a piece of art that I made with the image of the cherry blossoms on a famous path called "Tetsugaku no Michi",(the path of philosophy), in Kyoto. A mountain and a little stream are close to the path and a lot of cherry trees are planted on the banks of the stream. When they are in full bloom, a tunnel made of the cherry blossom trees appears over the stream without gaps, and I'm so happy when I walk there because I feel really wonderful that spring has come. Kyoto is a pretty city that has been able to hold onto it's old Japanese style buildings and temples. Because of this, a lot of tourists come from overseas. If you have any plans to come to Japan in the future, I really recommend visiting Kyoto. But, avoid going there in either the summer or the winter. Summers are too hot and winters are too cold. Spring and autumn are better because of the cherry blossoms in the spring and the foliage in the fall. Please come to Japan and enjoy one of these seasons. translated by CHIE KATAYAMA