For me at least, the regularly repeated philosophical view of Japan’s cherry blossom representing transience and the fleeting beauty of life always seemed a little overplayed, particularly so as the general practice is to get comatose under the trees rather than attempt any kind of contemplation. But that was then, this is now, and my opinions have changed considerably.
The full bloom last year coincided with the news that my wife’s time was limited, and as Akiko never got to see the blossoms again, this spring’s flowers felt especially poignant. So much so in fact that I didn’t seek them out, and on the whole didn’t have any real urge to photograph them.
The scene below, on the other hand, was different. I liked the urban element, and the petals gradually falling away, but most of all it was the peacefulness, along with a strange sense of the boat and its occupants being somehow significant.
femme_mal says
This is such a nice composition — the older boat, the old boatmen ferrying a younger person, the water framed by nature in a timeless way, moving through modernity expressed by the nearby buildings. Thanks for sharing this.
Lee says
You are very welcome.
Thanks a lot. It all came together really nicely. Saw them turning the boat round, so waited at that spot for when they came past. Definitely a result I’m happy with.
ellen says
Such beautiful words and picture. Please take care and thank you for sharing your photos. I am always thinking about you.
Lee says
Thanks ever so much. That’s very kind of you. And I will. Getting out and taking photos really helps me to do that.
john says
A therapeutic urban landscape (minus tripod)? It has all those reflections of trees too, those so worked on and dabbled on by artists for centuries.
It certainly conjures up boat related journeys here, and also those ‘very modern’ film prints that had the date on them, not just the time.
It is so strange to see a clock without some subtle advertising going on. In black and white you have the time, but the date and year is rather more of a mystery!
Lee says
Happy to say there wasn’t a tripod in sight, let alone in use. Cheers. Worked out way better than I expected. And yeah, good call on the clock. Hadn’t thought about it in that way.
Matthias says
Yet one more astounding and unexpected view of Tokyo! They call Venice ‘La Serenissima’ but obviously Tokyo has its serene and quite mystical sides as well. (Adding a bit of fog is left to one’s imagination ). Thank you again for sharing these insights into the town and into your thoughts.
Lee says
It definitely does. More than you’d probably imagine really. This little spot came as a total surprise as well which made it even better. And thanks. You are very welcome. Glad you enjoyed it.
Denise says
Such a beautiful and calm scene. Thank you for sharing it and your honest words. Stay strong and be kind to yourself.
Lee says
You are very welcome. More than anything they were helpful to me to be honest. And thanks a lot. Definitely what I try to do.
cdilla says
A lovely scene, artistically captured. My eyes wander from the clock to the boat to the cherry tree and finally rest on the distant cluster of tiny green be-hatted noggins. Each a quintessential Japanese sight.
Learned me a new Japanese word too – yochien.
Our flagpole cherry tree is shedding its petals now and they are whirling around on the ground in little pink vortices in the breeze.
I love the sight of the petals on the water. Captured this in the Sumida River Part some years ago. It’s been too long 🙁
https://www.rainbowsharpsleep.com/posts/sakura-waters/
Lee says
Thank you. It was a genuinely lovely moment that’s for sure, and like you mentioned, there are a lot of details too.
Me too. Not quite sure what it is about petals on the water, but it is always a nice sight to see.
Richard says
Thanks so much for sharing this photo and your acknowledgment of Akiko’s passing. I know from personal experience that the death of a very dear loved one around a specific time of the year forever alters one’s perspective about it. The challenge is to find a way to honor the memory of that person while acknowledging the time of the year, perhaps in a new way. It looks like you have accomplished this with this photo. And at the first anniversary of Akiko’s passing. I hope your memories of her are as soft and lovely as the sakura blossoms are.
Lee says
Thank you very much. That’s really kind of you. This season is more connected to the news we got that Akiko’s time was very limited. Still got the first anniversary to deal with in the summer. But yes, if I can manage something similar to how I felt about this moment, that would be a definite achievement. One little step at a time as always.
Richard says
Sorry I got confused about the timeline of the events in your life with Akiko. Here’s hoping it goes well in the days and weeks leading up to summer. Cheers!
Lee says
No problem at all, and thanks as always for the kind and supportive words.