This year, I traveled to Japan. My expectations were shattered. Yes, there were bullet trains, sushi and manga comics but so their story is so much more than that.
So, if I was to curate Japan’s little story, this is what it would be…
In Tokyo, there are busy little territories.
With pockets of serenity to hide.
In Spring, the Sakura blooms to line the trees with bright cotton candy.
There is something special about this flower, ‘Mono no aware’ (物の哀れ) which translates to ‘the pathos of all things’…you have to chase it to see it.
There’s a rich cultural heritage.
From little paper birds.
To ancient temples and grand statues.
The Japanese attention to detail is second to none.
They always go above and beyond to do their best work – even for the simple things.
But there’s always time to play.
Everything is neat, ordered and runs on time.
And the garden’s are immaculate.
You might even find an odd floating flower here and there…
Or make a new friend.
Two hours by Shinkansen, and you’re in the snowy mountains of Yuzawa.
Or I might find you in an bamboo forest in Kamakura.
And as the sun sets on Uneo Park on my last day, I thought to myself…look at these two territories;
Busy and calm
Old and new
Work and play
Moving from today to tomorrow.
