Under Cherry Trees There Are No Strangers
Under cherry trees
there are no strangers
Kobayashi Issa (1763 – 1827)
The lively pink hues of cherry blossoms create a colourful and vibrant atmosphere celebrating the arrival of spring. In Japan, the cherry tree’s beautiful but short lived blooms has traditionally symbolise the beauty, fragility and transience of life. It is also a source of inspiration, creativity, and illumination for poets, artists, musicians and writers in Japan and all over the world. I suppose Issa-san’s prose was inspired by his observation that those who come to enjoy and reflect on the beauty of the cherry blossoms are bound by a common fellowship. On a recent visit to China, while visiting a public park, I had the above tree all to myself for a good while and spent some time enjoying its beauty amid the tranquil surrounding after taking some photos. If there were others around at the time, would Issa-san’s observation ring true?
Happy Easter and a wonderful Easter holiday.
Photo Fuji X-E2 with XF 35mm
Ken and Agnes Photoworks 
Beautiful! I am not used to seeing so much green around a cherry tree, but this gives it a very nice contrast nevertheless.
thank you very much, hien. pinks and greens work well together generally.
have a good weekend.
ken
Beautiful shot, Ken. Those cherry blossoms look small from a distance, but their colour is truly vibrant and that makes us look their way. I suppose you felt like you were at one with the world when you stood under the trees, lost in their beauty. Sound like the trip was a great one 🙂
yes, i think its the pink vibrance that makes the photo work. being one with nature is always a great feeling, don’t you think? it was a rather short trip to attend a fair, but nonetheless a good one.
have a good weekend.
ken
sorry … thanks. my brain is not 100% at this hour.
This is beautiful, Ken-san!
The cherry blossoms have peaked in Tokyo this week. So pretty, it even makes the concrete jungle look pretty 🙂 I’ve managed to take some snapshots (though not as nice as yours) and plan to post them soon, maybe next week.
Best wishes to you & your family,
Takami
thank you so much, ibara-san. i was lucky to come across some nice blooming cherry trees, it was unplanned and i was happy to see them. look forward to seeing your photos. best wishes to you and yours too.
ken