Random Thoughts: Cherry Blossoms near Tokyo | Kaeko Yamashita (Dean, Faculty of Nursing and Medical Care)

2009.04.16

Yesterday, as I passed by the Ministry of Finance, I saw double-flowered cherry blossoms in such magnificent, heavy bloom that I quickly pointed my cell phone camera at them. Perhaps due to the sunlight (the sun was quite high in the sky) or my skill (or lack thereof) in photography, the photo didn't quite capture the reality as movingly as I experienced it, but the rich, pale, and elegant colors were imprinted on my retina as "this year's best shot."

The Somei-yoshino cherry trees in central Tokyo, as seen on the Mita Campus, Hiyoshi Campus, and Shinanomachi Campus (with Shinjuku Gyoen and the Outer Garden as borrowed scenery), bloom in all their glory from late March to around the time of the entrance ceremonies in April, albeit with slight variations in timing. They seem to join the people in celebrating the growth and changes of those graduating and matriculating.

If you look closely, you'll find many mature cherry trees all over Tokyo that appear to have been planted over 30 years ago, asserting their presence during their brief blooming period.

In my own neighborhood, three large cherry trees in the yard of a nearby elementary school, which I pass under every morning on my way to the university, are the first to announce the arrival of spring. I often pause for a moment to gaze at them and savor their "beauty." Another sight is the distant scenery visible from the Odakyu train heading toward SFC, here and there between Noborito and Machida. The mountain ranges and tunnels of cherry blossoms are like a world from a Japanese painting that has appeared overnight, reminding me of the whims and intentions of "nature's" energy, which I had almost forgotten.

I recall a saying, though I'm not sure whose it was, to the effect that, "'Beauty' is something that gives strength and courage to live to those in crisis or difficult situations." I feel I have had several experiences where being moved by beauty changed my previous preoccupations and fostered a new worldview. When the cherry blossom season arrives, this thought briefly crosses my mind, and I vow to myself, "Stop just staring at documents, go have a different experience, go out to the fields and mountains..." but...

Late last year, at the "Cézanneism" exhibition at the Yokohama Museum of Art, the following words were displayed:

To make progress, there is only nature. The eye is trained through contact with her.

In order to make progress there is only nature, and the eye is trained, through contact with her. It becomes contentedly through looking and working.

To those seeking progress and change, and to all students who wish to have a different experience!

During this beautiful spring season, let's take action in search of the moving power of "beauty" and challenge ourselves to self-expansion.

(Date Published: 2009/04/16)