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#mount fuji with cherry trees in bloom
themuseumwithoutwalls · 9 months
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MWW Artwork of the Day (6/18/23) Vincent van Gogh (Dutch, 1853-1890) Portrait of Père Tanguy (Autumn 1887) Oil on canvas, 92 x 75 cm. Musée Rodin, Paris
The brightly colored painting and confident subject represent a shift in Vincent's attitude. Van Gogh called his use of bright colors "gymnastics" that through experimentation created great depth, harmony and balance in his work. The painting contains a background of Van Gogh's Japanese prints that were sold at Tanguy's shop. On top of Tanguy's hat is Mount Fuji; Kabuki actors share the wall with cherry trees in bloom. The Japanese paintings represent Van Gogh's search for serenity, which he describes in a letter to his sister during this period, "Having as much of this serenity as possible, even though one knows little --  nothing -- for certain, is perhaps a better remedy for all diseases than all the things that are sold at the chemist's shop." In an effort to capture serenity in his painting, Van Gogh paints Tanguy with a calm, contemplative nature. Historian of Symbolism Naomi Maurer describes him as having the "iconic tranquility of Buddha.
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beatricecenci · 2 years
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Katsushika Hokusai (Japanese, 1760-1849)
Mount Fuji with Cherry Trees in Bloom
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Cherry Blossoms Masterlist
allergic to colour (ao3) - happy_endings15
Summary: “You’re not going anywhere near my asshole with that itch cream, Phil Lester.”
“But it provides relief, Dan. And it sounds like you could use some.”
Or, Dan gets a rash and Phil soothes him. (And they enjoy some cherry blossoms.)
Blossoms Under Fuji (ao3) - starwatersong
Summary: When Dan brushes off Phil's desire to see cherry blossoms, he belatedly realizes that there was a deeper meaning to Phil's request that linked all the way back to their tour of Mount Fuji in 2015.
🌸 cherry blossom 🌸 (ao3) - natigail
Summary: It had been a silly dream at first. The idea to have a cherry blossom tree in their garden they didn't even have yet. It hadn't felt like it was something that would really happen.
But it was real. Dan was watching their tree, Phil's arms around him, and hoping they would get to see its first bloom soon.
Cherry Blossoms (ao3) - dansexistentialcrisispose
Summary: Phil has a surprise for Dan. It starts with a surprise trip to Japan. This is in Dan's perspective. Phil has a special question for Dan.
Cherry Blossoms - myspacehowell
Summary: When Dan and Phil are in Japan, Phil decides to take Dan on a little mystery date. 
cherry blossom dreams (ao3) - calvinahobbes
Summary: They should be in their own house by now, with their own yard where they would be able to sit without all their two hundred neighbors looking down at them in the shared courtyard.
Cherry Blossoms - Phan someshot (ao3) - Chibikkos_Hat
Summary: Dan and Phil propose
Dancing With the Cherry Blossoms - Mairieuxes
Summary: This situation could easily be mistaken as a scene of an anime.
green tea and cherry blossoms (ao3) - CapriciousCrab
Summary: Japan is lovely in the spring...
There's no sense of time here. No urgency, no rush. Nothing but peace and serenity as they sit together under the blooms and look out into the gardens.
How To Take A Good Selfie (ao3) - Phantje
Summary: Dan and Phil spend their afternoon in a park in Japan. Amongst other things they try to take selfies in a cherry blossom tree, which is not as easy as they thought it would be and the cherry blossoms turn out to be quite resistant, not in a million lives Dan would have dreamed what this would lead to.
i'm the one who charmed the one (ao3) - The_Blonde
Summary: "The cherry blossom taunted Phil, in a really pretty and petal scattering sort of way. Everyone else’s wishes formed neat shrubs, sturdy little things that could withstand anything. Phil’s cherry blossom took over the entire bottom of the garden, catching the edge of his eye line even when he tried not to look at it. His wish didn’t get burnt, it didn’t turn into a curse mark on his arm, it just mocked him with a delicate beauty that seemed to say you’ll never find them, they’re too special for you, and Phil (somewhere between the endless lists of placements, all of the neighbourhood pets following him home from classes, a wish that didn’t look like it was supposed to) thought I will, just watch me.
Or: Phil is a mediator with the sun in his fingertips and a Dan to make happy.
lost in your paradise (ao3) - lestered (clonetrobed)
Summary: I could feel the tension
We could cut it with a knife
I know it's more than just a friendship
I can hear you thinking 'bout it, yeah--
*
It’s been six years of surreal friendship, and an even surrealer crush. Six years of traveling all around the world, and wanting to kiss him in every place.
Six years of chickening out every time.
Dan has no reason to believe that Japan will be any different, but anything can happen when you get lost under the Tokyo lights.
Only the Best for You (ao3) - velarisstars
Summary: Dan is nervous, and he can't stop fidgeting and sweating. But he supposes it's all part of the nerves that come from marrying your best friend of ten years.
Outside of Closed Doors (ao3) - winstonlives
Summary: “You think one day we will be able to? One day we can at least hug each other and not be afraid?”
“I really hope so.” Phil smiled at him and stepped away. “How about this, if we find that we are comfortable with it, let’s come back here, and take that picture we both really want?”
“Okay. Let’s make it a goal. One day we come back here and take our picture under the cherry blossoms.” Dan nodded.
pink and white (ao3) - kay_okay
Summary: Tiny pink blossoms are scattered around him, over him in haphazard patterns from the light wind. One sits in the center of his forehead, two against the crest of his collarbone, a handful tossed onto his chest. A line of the flowers nestle in his brown curls, a half-circle crown that loses a bit of its shape when Dan stirs.
Six Centimetres A Second (ao3) - jestbee
Summary: Cherry blossoms and proposals
The Cherry Blossom Secret (ao3) - BlueFox1319
Summary: A secret lies in this hideaway, for when an almost mad artist and a grief ridden photographer meet.
Their worlds could either wilt or bloom with unknowing enchantment.
To be alive beneath cherry blossoms (ao3) - fandom_and_stuffs
Summary: Phil proposes to Dan underneath cherry blossoms.
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traveling-north · 25 days
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March 1-3 : Yokosuka Japan
We spent our Leap Day in the air, landing in Tokyo on the afternoon of March 1.
Nathan's sister Crystal and her husband Dmitry have been living in Yokosuka for several years, and they were our expert tour guides for 2 perfect days in the area. We took the train straight down from the airport to meet them for a dinner.
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As a Navy town, Yokosuka has a lot of English being spoken and a high proportion of people recognize Dmitry, including staff at the establishments where we tried delicious grilled meat & veggie skewers followed by chuhais - all I could handle before I was falling asleep on my feet. 
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The next morning we met up for a true breakfast of champions - Japanese strawberries, in the peak of their season and fresh off the vine! You pay a set price to pick all you can eat for half an hour, and you better believe I got full value out of that. 
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We took the train to Komatsugaike Park, a popular Sakura (cherry blossom viewing) spot. In the first week of March, these trees were past their peak bloom but still very beautiful, and fun to be a part of this local seasonal event. There were food vendors where we got some small bites to balance out all that fruit. 
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I had seen a glimpse of the beach from the train, and noticed the sea was full with windsurfers. I wanted to get a look at that, so we walked down to the Miura beach. It was way to frigid to consider touching that water even in a drysuit, but a good wind for the sport, just like home! 
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After that we were pretty well frozen and ready for a nice hot lunch - ramen of course! 
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We got back on a train out to Kotoku-in, where we got to see (and go inside) the giant Buddha. 
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We walked from there to an incredible hillside temple complex, Hase-dera. It had some very different styles of Buddhas, a zen garden, a cave shrine, some incredible views, some distinctive koi and better example of peak cherry blossom beauty. This place is definitely worth the trip down from Tokyo to see! 
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It was a pretty touristy area too, so as the temples closed down, so did every restaurant and shop. We walked through the pedestrian street to one more temple, where we happened upon a very traditional wedding.
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This was a nice full day topped off with another good dinner and a bit better night’s sleep. Nothing beats jet lag like forcing yourself out into the sunlight from dawn til dark! Feeling very fortunate to have these couple days of weekend for a mini vacation before trying to start a work week. 
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The next morning C&D picked us up in their car for a trip out into more natural beauty - Jogashima Island. Turned out we couldn’t drive all the way as a marathon had closed down the streets, so we just parked on the mainland and walked over the bridge.
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We explored beaches and tide pools, watched the giant seahawks swoop and saw another, less traditional, wedding couple’s photoshoot. it was a beautiful and relatively warm day - Mount Fuji even made a rare appearance from the beach!
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This island seems to be all about tuna, and we got to try 5 or 6 different cuts and preparations at a seafood restaurant, as well as back at the large fish market where we parked and even alongside craft beers at a new brewery. 
Next stop, Kurihama Flower Park. In the right seasons it would feature colorful fields but even after dark, you can enjoy this highlight: Godzilla!
 
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A second full day of walking and we had worked up an appetite for hibachi, lots more delicious grilled meats and veggies! Served by a robot, of course.
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Today is March 4, and it was back to work, with breaks for a pastry and coffee breakfast, and to get up to Tokyo to catch the bullet train. Per tradition, we had bento boxes for the trip. Next stop, Hiroshima! 
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I promise I won’t take a picture of EVERY meal. It has been amazing spending these first couple of days in vacation mode but I’m looking forward to getting on schedule and cooking our own meals again. We will start that at our first ever Home Exchange in Hiroshima! 
Keep up with our calendar here
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kxisuke · 3 years
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blossom
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pairings: megumi x fem!reader
summary: you're the one. megumi's sure of it
warnings: none
word count: 1.6k
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“Yuuji!” You run up to your best friend and take his hand, dragging him over to your favourite spot in the school. The cherry blossom trees are in full bloom right now, the soft pink petals falling to the ground with every light breeze.
“What’s up, y/n?” The two of you sit down under a tree, and you smile brightly.
“Do you wanna take some pictures with me? The cherry blossoms are so beautiful right now, and I don’t want to miss it!” Itadori immediately nods his head at your idea. Both of you love taking pictures, especially of each other. You’re both naturally photogenic, and have always been confident in your looks. So your camera roll mainly consists of pictures of you and Itadori posing like models in front of different scenery. One time, the two of you had gone all the way to Mount Fuji just to get some good pictures of each other.
“You know me so well, of course!” He takes your hand. “Let’s go get changed out of these uniforms, they don’t suit the cherry trees at all.” The both of you quickly go back to your room, and frantically start pulling clothes out of your closet. After a good half hour of searching for the perfect outfit, Itadori settles on a pair of pink shorts and a tucked in white sweater, pairing it with a pair of earrings and a white beanie. You choose a white skirt that goes up to your mid thighs, and a cropped pink t-shirt, throwing on an oversized white cardigan over top. The two of you head out to the cherry trees again, sitting down under them. Your camera is hanging around your neck, and you click through the pictures you and Itadori had already taken, making sure you have enough space to occupy the ones you’re about to take. You turn around in surprise when you feel someone brushing out your hair with their fingers.
“Yuuji, what are you-” He shushes you.
“Hold on, I have an idea.” He then gestures to the hair ties around your writs. “Can I borrow two of those?” You take them off and hand them to him. He skillfully parts your hair, leaving it half up and half down, then taking the top part and making two pigtails. He smooths out your curls and comes back around to face you. He narrows his eyes, taking in your look.
“Perfect.” He flashes a thumbs up, and you pull out your phone to see what he did. You’re surprised at your own appearance, you had never done your hair up like this before.
“Wow, you’re good at this.” He laughs.
“Yeah, I have a little cousin who used to love it when I did her hair, I guess that’s where I got all the practice.” He stands, helping you up shortly after him. “You ready?” Nodding, you wave him towards the tree.
“I’ll do you first.” You position yourself a good distance away from him, framing his figure in the camera view. He poses for you, and you take multiple shots from different angles. After you’re finished, you’re looking through the pictures when the camera is taken from your hands.
“Oi! I was looking through that!” Itadori holds the camera away from you.
“You can do that later. Now c‘mon, it’s your turn.” He steps back as you walk into the frame. He takes a couple pictures from far away before moving closer to you.
“Okay okay, raise your hand like just like that, imagine you’re accepting a blossom from the tree.” He gestures at your hand and you obey, fingers just brushing the pretty pink petals. “Yup, that’s it. Now lift your chin up just a little more,” He uses his fingers to slightly push your chin exactly where he wants it. “Yes, now part your lips just a bit.” You follow his instruction, and he readies the camera. “Perfect, y/n. You’re like made for this. Why’d you become a jujutsu sorcerer, you could’ve been an amazing model.” He snaps a couple pictures and gestures that it’s alright for you to move. You both peer over the camera, and he smiles, proud of his work.
“Here, here, lemme take a few more.” He waves you back into place, and gets you to pose for him again, smiling at his amazing pictures.
~
Megumi walks through the school, looking for something to do. He had spent the morning training with Gojo, and he was exhausted to say the least. His head perks up when he hears your familiar laughter, the one he had grown to love dearly. Walking outside, he sees you and his friend, Itadori, laughing under the cherry trees, wearing matching outfits. He sees the camera Itadori is holding, and judging by the way you were just posing, the two of you are having another photo shoot. He goes to walk over, but then stops, seeing Itadori positioning you in a particular way. There’s something about it that makes his heart race. You haven’t spotted him yet, so he just observes, seeing how the soft afternoon light casts over you like a halo, the pink blossoms falling around you. It’s at that moment, he knows. You’re the one. Too perfect that words can’t even express his love admiration of you. He sees you bound over to where Itadori is, and he decided to make his way over to where you are.
“Hey Fushiguro!” Itadori calls out to him and waves. He sees your face light up when the two of you lock eyes, and you wave as well. Megumi lets a light smile rest on his face as he approaches you.
“Hey guys. What’re you up to?” Itadori grabs your arm and smiles brightly.
“Y/n and I were just taking some pictures with the cherry blossoms. Wanna see the pictures I took of her? There’s this one that I think you’ll like a lot.” Before he even gets a chance to answer, Itadori is already pulling out your camera, clicking through the photos. “Here!” He turns the camera to Megumi, and time seems to freeze in place. Your face and shoulders are just in the frame, your hand outstretched as if you were accepting a blossom in your hand. Your beautiful face framed by your cute hairstyle, rosy lips parted in a silent whisper. He can’t get over how absolutely stunning you look in that picture, wishing he could imprint it into his memory.
“So, whaddaya think?” Itadori draws the camera away from him and he’s tempted to grab it back so he can see the picture again. It takes him a second to think of a response, all he wants to do is to steal you away from his friend and cuddle you.
“You look beautiful.” He turns to you, a small blush forming on his cheeks and you give him a smile back, sending butterflies into his stomach.
“Thank you!” His heart melts at your words, and he doesn’t know what to say. So he grabs your hand, and looks at Itadori.
“Thanks for taking that picture, could you send it to me?” Itadori nods quickly and waves at you.
“That was fun,  y/n! We should do another one soon!” You wave back at him, agreeing. “I’ll bring the camera round tonight, let me just save all these pictures.” You nod.
“Thanks, Yuuji, I’ll see you later!” Megumi finally gets a chance to lead you away from his friend, strolling down the halls hand in hand with you. Stealing glances at you, he can barely control himself as soon as you arrive at his room. Pulling you down on his bed the second the door closes, he wraps his arms around you tightly, inhaling your scent. Feeling you cuddle into his chest is everything he needs right at that exact moment, and he wishes you could stay like this forever.
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BONUS:
The next day...
“Fushiguro!” Itadori comes up behind his friend and hands him a small photo album. Megumi tilts his head in question, wondering what’s inside. Itadori reads his mind and quickly interrupts his thoughts.
“I noticed how much you loved that picture of y/n the other day, so I decided to make an entire album for you!” He reaches over and flips open the cover of the album. “These are all the pictures that I’ve ever taken of y/n, even the silly ones. I hope you like it!” Megumi flips through the album, skimming over the content, already feeling his heart beat faster.
“This is perfect. Thank you, Itadori.” His friend nods enthusiastically.
“Yeah of course! When we take more pictures, I’ll add them to the album too.” Megumi thanks him again, and is about to tuck the album under his arm before a loud voice interrupts them.
“What are you idiots up to?” Kugisaki’s voice makes the two boys freeze in their tracks, and they turn to face the redhead. The rest of the second years are following close behind, they must’ve just gotten back from training.
“Nothing.” Megumi quickly states, attempting to leave, but not before Kugisaki points at the album in his hands.
“What’s that?” She cocks her head, and Itadori quickly jumps in.
“It’s an album of all of the pictures I’ve taken of y/n!” Kugisaki laughs.
“You’re such a simp, Fushiguro, but I mean I don’t blame you.” She teases, earning a chuckle from Maki. Toge gestures at the album, asking to see what’s inside. Megumi holds it tight to his chest.
“I am going to go simp by myself, thank you.” Head high, he marches off, but Itadori notices the obvious blush on his cheeks. As Megumi’s about to round the corner, Itadori shouts to him.
“WHY ARE YOU BLUSHING?” Megumi freezes, caught in the act.
“SHUT UP.”
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witchyintention · 3 years
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G O D D E S S' of S P R I N G
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Anna Perenna  (Roman) she was associated with the cycles of the year and renewal. Her main Festival was celebrated on Ides of March.
Artio (Swiss) the bear Goddess who hibernates during the Winter her return heralds the beginning of Spring.
Beiwen  (Finnish) A Saami Goddess associated with the fertility of plants and reindeer.  Together with her daughter Beiwe-Neia, they turned the hills green so the reindeer could feed.
Blodewedd (Celtic) This Spring Goddess was created by magic from nine spring flowers to be the wife of Llew Llaw. This  got around the curse Arianhod had placed upon her son preventing him from taking a human wife.
Brigit (Celtic) In her maiden aspect this Goddess is honoured at the festival of Imbolc which celebrates the first stirrings of Spring.
Dziewanna (Eastern European)  the Goddess of Spring and Agriculture.  She was especially honoured by local farmers.
Flora  (Roman) The Goddess of flowering plants, especially those that bore fruit. Her festival, the Floralia, took place in April or early May and was marked with dancing, drinking, and flowers.
Freya (Nordic) This Nordic fertility Goddess is linked with spring growth and flowers.
Gefn (Norse) This is another name for the Nordic Goddess Freya.
Hare Ke  (West African) Goddess of the sweet waters fed by the spring rains that brought fertility back to the land.
Hebe (Greek) The Goddess of eternal youth and Spring.
Ostara or Ēostre (Germanic) Painted eggs and white rabbits are sacred to Ostara, the Goddess of Spring, fertility and rebirth.  Her symbols haves been incorporated into the Christian celebration of Easter.
Kono-Hana-Sakuya-Hime (Japanese) She is associated with the Springtime and cherry blossom as her name means "Lady who makes the trees bloom."  She is also Goddess of the sacred site Mount Fuji.
Kore (Greek) Kore is an alternative name for the Greek Goddess Persephone.
Kostroma (Russian) the fertility Goddess and personification of Spring.  In Russian mythology she dies at the end of each Spring, only to arise once more at the end of the following winter.
Lada (Eastern European) As Goddess of Spring and Love she was worshipped throughout Lithuania, Poland and Russia.
Libera (Roman) Together with Ceres and Liber she formed part of a triad of ancient Roman Gods and Goddesses responsible for bringing fertility back to the land. 
Maia (Greek) This Goddess of Spring represented the forces of growth and the return of the warm rays of the sun.
Olwen (Celtic) Goddess of sunlight she reappeared every Spring, leaving behind her a trail of white clover wherever she walked.
Persephone (Greek) Her mother Demeter mourned her daughter when she returned to the underworld each Autumn causing the land to become cold and barren.  When Persephone returned in the Spring the happy Demeter would bestow the land with growth and abundance.
Prosepina (Roman) She was the Roman counterpart to Persephone and daughter of the grain Goddess Ceres.
Rafu-Sen (Japanese) Goddess of plum blossoms.
Sita (Hindu) Spring Goddess and Goddess of agriculture and the earth.
(If you know of more feel free to let me know!)
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aic-asian · 2 years
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Mount Fuji with Cherry Trees in Bloom, Katsushika Hokusai, 1795, Art Institute of Chicago: Asian Art
Gift of Helen C. Gunsaulus Size: 20.1 x 55.4 cm (7 7/8 x 21 7/8 in.) Medium: Color woodblock print; surimono
https://www.artic.edu/artworks/81248/
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mountphoenixrp · 3 years
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We have a new citizen in Mount Phoenix:
      Konohanasakuya-hime, the Goddess of Volcanoes & Blossoms,                            whose origins stem from Ancient Japan.                             She is now a geisha at Yue Tea Garden.
FC NAME/GROUP: Mirei Kiritani GOD NAME: Konohanasakuya-hime PANTHEON: Japanese OCCUPATION: Geisha at Yue HEIGHT: 163 cm WEIGHT: 39 KG DEFINING FEATURES: The lingering smell of cherry blossom as petals trail and float behind her. Flowers always decorating her hair, woven into her bun or sitting atop her head in a crown.
PERSONALITY:  Soft and tender, Sakuya’s soul mirrors her flowers in their beauty. Most importantly, she is a mother, loving in all compacities. Her children know of their mother in more than name, and she dedicates her life to being there for them whenever they speak her name. She appears to many other gods and goddesses as fragile, but the goddess commands volcanoes and mountains. Behind her softened features rests a goddess filled with unmovable resolve and a fiery heart. Sakuya goes to great lengths to protect her name and those of her children. Honor matters immensely to her, despite the fact that her most noble acts seldom are recognized.
HISTORY: Konohanasakuya-hime was a sweet goddess known for her beauty. Always lingering at the base of her beloved Mount Fuji, it would not take long for her dainty appearance to win the heart of another god. Ninigi traded his immortality for her hand, but their relationship had no bliss, filled with turmoil and anger. He doubted her fidelity and love, and for that, he was made fool in a fiery blaze of truth.
When her husband passed, Sakuya found a new sense of freedom that had been stolen from her. The goddesses dedicated her life to her ever growing collection of children and the people of her nation. She protected her devotees from fire, healed towns of disease, and she painted the landscape of Japan in the softest pink cherry blossoms. Every inch of her land was touched by her never ceasing love.
Sakuya struggled to leave her beautiful country, only doing so to tend and care for the children to whom she gave her heart. One such child found themselves into a storm of chaos, and there was no way that the devoted mother could leave her child alone in such madness. So, for the safety of her little bloom, she took up residency in Mount Phoenix with hopes that her other children would soon follow.
POWERS: Flower Manipulation: Sakuya has the ability to grow flowers, flower petals, and flowery trees out of thin air. She has the ability to make them move and to bring them back to life.
Fire Resistance: As the goddess of volcanoes, the touch of fire and lava do not harm the goddess, though the heat can make her uncomfortable like taking too hot of a bath might.  
STRENGTHS: Compassionate, Loving, Affectionate WEAKNESSES: Quiet, Overly caring, Stubborn
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1111-nxs-0601 · 3 years
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Japan: Holidays and their Culture (Part 1)
Now posting the holidays and cultures I have piled up since last month:
NATIONAL HOLIDAYS
GOLDEN WEEK (Staring April 29 to May 5)
From the end of April until the beginning of May
All Japanese employees receive a week of vacation and many people thus travel to resort areas.
Avoided by many international travelers because of the challenges of crowded transportation and attractions.
Hotel prices tend to surge because of domestic demand.
APRIL
April 29 - Showa Day (Showa no hi)
Deep fried nibble from a street food market
Drink in a upmarket inner-city, sparkly-light-donned skyscraper
A visit to a Bhuddist temple or shrine
A spotting of the beautiful sakura (cherry blossoms)
Placing flying streamers in the shape of fish and dancing
Visit Hirohito’s tomb in Hachiōji as a tradition
MAY
May 3 – Constitution Memorial Day
Many newspapers and magazines publish articles about the Japanese government.
The National Diet Building in Tokyo, where the constitution was created, is also open to the public on this day only
May 4 - Greenery Day (midori no hi)
Visit relatives
People convene across the country to plant trees
Colorful parades through larger cities
People will often decorate the streets with paper lanterns.
Visit a Japanese garden or zoo. Ueno zoo, Rikugien Garden, Hama Rikyu Garden, Jindai Botanical Gardens and more, offer free admission on Greenery Day.
Visit Tokyo Tower. Tokyo Tower is illuminated with vibrant colours to celebrate the vibrancy of nature!
Drink green. The first crop of green tea is harvested during Golden Week
Eat green. Eat a vegan or vegetarian meal.
May 5 – Children’s Day (Kodomo no Hi)
Households that have a boy will hoist fierce and colorful carp flags outside their homes
Carps are the symbol of the holiday
Ø  Black carp represents the father
Ø  Red carp represents the mother
Ø  Last carp (often blue) represents the child with an additional carp added for each younger sibling
Families also decorate their homes with a samurai armor and a helmet miniatures, representing their wishes to raise strong and powerful boys
The displays are there from April.
If you are in Tokyo, try going to the Tokyo Tower from April 5th.
Special dishes
Ø  Chimaki
Ø  Kashiwamochi
JULY
3rd Monday of July - Ocean Day (umi no hi)
Many people go to the beach
Umi Festivals or Marine Day Festivals (Kobe and Fukuoka) (both are port cities)
Special events such as the "Marine Day Miss Japan Contest"
Marine Day lantern festival held in Odaiba, Tokyo. A beautiful display of lantern is held on the beach from which you can see the rainbow bridge and lit yakatabune-type boats in the bay.
AUGUST
August 11 - Mountain Day (yama no hi)
Hiking and nature-immersion may be most accessible in Mount Takao, western Tokyo.
One of the easiest places to lap-up the highland scenery, and there are numerous trails available, with the most popular only taking 90 minutes.
Other popular mountains near Tokyo include Mt. Mitake, Mt. Mito, Mt. Tsukuba and Mt. Mitsutoge.
Bunkyo Civic Centre offers spectacular views across Shinjuku towards Mount Fuji – and it’s free.
Visit an onsen. Venture to Oedo Onsen Monogatari.
Said to lower stress, and improve creativity, sketching mountain is another way to commemorate Mountain Day.
SEPTEMBER
September 15 – Respect for the Aged Day
Organizations and companies will have special events to help the elderly living in their community.
Volunteers organize free bento lunch deliveries, or distribute special hampers that contain basic necessities like soap and toothpaste.
Schools will organize performances especially for the elderly and perform them at retirement or nursing homes.
Larger cities will host competitions or fitness displays featuring elderly folk. These will usually be held publicly outdoors for anyone to enjoy.
Television stations will take the opportunity to air special programming related to aging and the elderly community
If you have grandparents or elderly parents, make the day extra special for them by taking them out for a meal or simply by spending time together.
September 23/24 - Autumnal Equinox Day or Shūbun no Hi
Happens on the date of Southward equinox in Japan Standard Time
People reconnect with families to tend to the graves of ancestors and visit shrines and temples.
People also celebrate the good weather and autumn harvest by enjoying outdoor activities
Eating botomachi – a ball of sweet rice in azuki paste.
Join your friends and search for higan-bana (彼岸花) – a type of flower that blooms around this time.
Join your friends and search for higan-bana (彼岸花) – a type of flower that blooms around this time.
OCTOBER-NOVEMBER
October 10 – Health-Sports Day
November 3 – Culture Day or Bunka no Hi
Art exhibitions and parades are held to appreciate the prominent artists’ work
Various events such as public lectures and hands-on activities are held, and admission to art galleries and museums is free.
November 23 – Labor Thanksgiving Day
Local labour organizations sponsor this event to encourage people to think about issues affecting peace, human rights, and the environment.
School kids sometimes make thank you cards and gifts for municipal workers like police, firefighters, and hospital workers.
JANUARY
January 1 - New Year (shogatsu)
Most businesses shut down from January 1 to January 3
Homes and entrance gates are decorated with ornaments made of pine, bamboo and plum trees
Clothes and houses are cleaned.
On New Year's Eve, toshikoshi soba (buckwheat noodles)
Watching the music show "kohaku uta gassen"
Viewing the New Year’s first sunrise (hatsu-hinode)
Visit a shrine or temple during shogatsu (hatsumode)
During shogatsu, osechi ryori, otoso (sweetened rice wine) and ozoni (a soup with mochi)
Games traditionally played on New Year, Hanetsuki (Japanese badminton), takoage (kite flying), and karuta (a card game)
Sending of New Year's cards
January 15 – Adult’s Day/ Coming of Age Day
Honors every person that has turned 20 years old over the past year.
They officially become adults in Japanese society and they now have responsibilities as well as newfound liberties: such as being able to drink, smoke, go to hostess bars, and gamble and to drive legally.
Girls always wear gorgeous and very expensive kimono
Boys usually wear a regular suit and tie but a few will wear traditional Japanese dress.
Everyone can attend the event at their local city office at around 11:30am
In Tokyo, the ceremonies at the Shinjuku and Shibuya Ward offices are some of the biggest and enjoy a lot of media coverage
At larger gatherings, there might even be live music or performances following the formalities
Families go with their new adults to their local shrine to pray for health and success.
Many of the new adults will go with their friends for a more casual gathering at an izakaya, restaurant or even at home as a way to celebrate all of them reaching the legal drinking age.
FEBRUARY
February 11 – National Foundation Day
Head down to Omotesando Dori in the crisp early hours of the morning to be part of the National Foundation Day parade.
Watching patriots waving flags and carrying mikoshi, known in English as portable shrines, to the nearby Meiji Jingu Shrine.
Follow the procession to Meiji Jingu Shrine, located just near the famous Yoyogi Park in Harajuku.
Those who are feeling super adventurous can visit Kashihara Shrine in Nara Prefecture.
MARCH
March 20/21 - Vernal Equinox Day or Shunbun no Hi
Celebrates the Northward equinox in Japan Standard Time
Many families visit burial sites of their ancestors, with some families seeing it as customary to clean gravestones, sweep away debris and replant flowers as a way of honoring them
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mokuhanga · 4 years
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Title: Suruga Satta no Kaijō (1858).
Description: Japanese print shows a view of Mount Fuji from Satta Point in the Suruga Bay, with breaking waves in the foreground.
According to The Chronicles of Japan (Nihon Shoki), Konohanasakuya-hime, wife of Ninigi, is the goddess of Mount Fuji and all volcanoes.
Her name translates to “(cherry) tree blossom blooming princess”, also appearing as Sakuya-hime. She’s considered an avatar of japanese life, since her symbol is the sakura (cherry blossom).
Artist: Andō Hiroshige (1797-1858).
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nobrashfestivity · 5 years
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Katsushika Hokusai, Mount Fuji with Cherry Trees in Bloom ( with details), 1795-1810
Color woodblock print; surimono
20.1 x 55.4 cm (7 7/8 x 21 7/8 in.)
AIC
more
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the-merewif · 4 years
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Review: As I Crossed a Bridge of Dreams; or, The Sarashina Diary
‘Time hanging heavily on my hands’
One of the oldest autobiographies in the world, written by an eleventh century Japanese court lady, this is a short but tender work. Its brevity itself is interesting—it collapses time, leaving the author’s life in many cases a vague string of emotions, moons and dreams. When visiting the Osaka Barrier once more, she writes a poem:
There is no difference in their sounds – This wind that blows across the Barrier now And the one I heard so many years ago.
Such is true of the work, childhood shifting into adulthood, family appearing formless out of nothing but retreating with a stark grief. The narrator is a consciousness who finds her tethers in nature; in Tales, and the Tale of Genji in particular; and in religion, but largely not in other people.
As a Medieval Japanese work, any translator must have difficulty in rendering it into modern English, but this one, Ivan Morris, does an admirable job. The language itself is delicate and dreamlike, with a painter’s impressionism and sensitivity. In his introduction, Morris outlines some of the cultural and political context surrounding the work, and the various attempts which have been made prior in translating it. He also mentions that women’s writing is more prominent in Classical Japanese literature than in any other, and as he seems to have remained the authoritative translator of the work since 1971, I’m not inclined to disagree.
Whilst often considered a piece of travel writing, the descriptions themselves are sparse and geographically inaccurate, but nonetheless impactful: the author’s sensitivity  to Mount Fuji, which ‘seems to have been painted deep blue’, or to the Oi River, a ‘torrent of water, which rushed along like a thick white stream of powdered rice’ is sweet and charming. She often also combines such descriptions of nature with her own emotions upon experiencing them: “All day long I shook with weeping; then I noticed how the evening sun threw its brilliant light on the scattering blooms of the cherry tree, and I wrote the poem…” This shows an awe which moves her throughout her life, and seems vividly remembered even decades later, in writing the book. Shinto-Buddhist faith provides her respite and joy despite her lax attitude towards change, and much of this stems from a core aestheticism. Time is nothing to such emotion: all experiences are equal and profound.
Another theme which is given much weight is the author’s understanding of death and her insurmountable grief. The general lack of description of her relationships with others, including her husband and children, does not prevent her from mourning as if it is in itself a duty, something greater than any other aspect of her life and one which she does not know how to bear—but she bears nonetheless. The last pages of the book are in this way sombre, and in many ways the one which might well connect most with a reader, an insubstantial fading from existence which moves the heart.
She summarises, ‘Yet we continue to live despite all our suffering.’ That is humanity, perhaps, for her—it is living despite suffering, living despite failure and loneliness and disconnection, and moving towards ever-distant pilgrimages until we move no more.
-- @pwyll-pendefig-dyfed
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mrgiangyflorence · 4 years
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Repost from @tmagazine using @RepostRegramApp - For more than a thousand years, Japan’s cherry blossom season has been a source of fascination and wonderment. “The cherry blossom is not just an icon of Japan: It is the icon of Japan, one that enhances and ultimately eclipses every other,” writes T's editor in chief @HanyaYanagihara. “The maiko, or apprentice geisha, in her kimono, its nape dipped in the back just low enough to allow a glimpse of her vulnerable, delicate upper vertebrae: The silk, as befits a young woman, is, in springtime, a spun-sugar pink, its pattern a Milky Way scatter of cherry blossoms. The cup of matcha, frothy and vegetal, is best when accompanied by a namagashi, or sweet, shaped like a cherry flower, its color making the sharp new green of the tea grassier in contrast. Even Mount Fuji, which ought to be enough on its own, is often shown foregrounded by cherry trees in bloom, the photograph or etching or painting reduced to three bands of color: the blue of the sky, the white of the mountain’s peak, the barest shell-pink of the flowers.” But how did such an infatuation begin? Click the link in our bio for the full story, featured in T's upcoming Travel issue — on newsstands inside the @nytimes Sunday, Nov 17. Pictured: @RinkoKawauchi’s “Untitled,” from the series “Approaching Whiteness” (2011), courtesy of @_rosegallery_. #TTravelIssue https://www.instagram.com/p/B45WLiFIGz4/?igshid=9o7esdsil7ut
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aussiboris · 5 years
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Hanami Season
March 21st onwards
When the Sakura is out in Japan there is a party atmosphere as Japanese families, couples, salary men stop for beeru, nigiri picnics and insta moments beneath cherry blossom hues. There is a media frenzy from January when the projected blossom forecasts come out. In mid-March, the tv crews are about in the top hanami sites looking for the magic number of five open blossoms on a designated tree. This signals the official start to the season in Japan. Good merch is available in the shops, the travel agents suggest weekends away to get your pink blossom fill and photographers make good business snapping up next year calendar shots and wedding couple pictures.
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Our first glimpse of the Sakura this year was in Kagoshima on the Southern island of Kyushu. Pink is the usual cherry tree colour so the white against the moody greys of the sea and sky were an attractive contrast. The rain drops on the fleeting blossoms are a truly ephemeral moment of nature.
This highly managed `natural phenomenom` attracts many international visitors. This year we hosted two sets. The first arrivals were Susannah and Alvin, a little premature for the Nagoya and more centrally located blossoms, so we headed to Kyoto to check out the historical sights.
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The first stop of the day on this version of `Tamsin’s Kyoto Tour` was the world famous Kinkakuji or Golden Temple. This tourist site is always packed and we joined the extensive queue to enter early before it was even open. Once inside we dutifully took our pictures walked the trails around the `tranquil` location and indulged in green tea and Kinkakuji themed sweets.
The sites history dates back to 1397. The temple narrowly avoided destruction during the Onin war between 1467-1477 when all the surrounding buildings were destroyed by fire. However after surviving for over 500 years including through the bombings of world war 2, that claimed a lot of Japan’s historical monuments, Kinkakuji finally succumbed when a `crazed` novice monk decided to burn it to the ground in 1950.
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Ginkakuji was the next stop on our Kyoto tour. The Silver Temple is located across the other side of the city and marks the beginning of the Philosophers Path. The temple buildings perch in front of the mossy hillside garden, whose paths meander through the towering pines. At different viewpoints from above the cityscape of Kyoto, ponds, gravelled zen gardens and the somewhat dowdy Pavilion appear in the foreground. 
Ginkakuji was built by the grandson of the Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu who was responsible for the construction of Kinkakuji. It was supposed to be covered in silver leaf when finished, hence the name, but by the time of its owners death, it was still unfinished so was purposefully left incomplete. This was in keeping with the Wasi-Sabi artisitic movement that is centred on transcience and imperfection.
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We did manage to find the odd early blossoming tree but most buds were tightly closed. Our final stop on the rather lengthy trail was Nanzenji. The most impressive part of the temple complex was the massive Sanmon entrance gate. The gate was apparently built in 1628 to honour the Tokugawa clan soldiers who died in the siege of Osaka Castle in 1615. The vistas across the grounds and Kyoto were very impressive (and a great spot for a quick selfie.)
It was great to extend the tour itinerary to include the Philosopher’s Path; however, it can take time away from other potential landmarks. The feedback from the Tamsin’s tour participants was it was a bit far and not enough places to sit down!
A few days after the Kyoto trip we were joined by other Trowbridge travellers - my parents. Finally the blossom was starting to appear en mass so we headed to Tsurama Park in Nagoya to get involved with the blue tarp action of a hanami party beneath the trees. 
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Mum was ready in her matching pink attire to get the perfect Sakura photos. The sun shone and we ate some lovely cheese tartlets and drank hot canned tea and coffee. Making the most of the somewhat unpredictable March weather. We then headed for another well known Nagoya Cherry Blossom spot - Yamazaki River. Again, it was not quite full bloom yet but this meant it was not too crowded and we could enjoy the peaceful one kilometre stroll along the river. 
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The next day was miserably rainy. As it was Saturday, Rob joined our group and we headed up to 31st floor of Mum and Dad’s hotel for a picturesque breakfast.
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This pic of Susannah is taken in what has to be the most scenic ladies toilet ever. Having missed the hanami party the previous day, Rob was keen to get in on the Sakura photos (this one is courtesy of the fake display in the hotel lobby). 
After a wander around Osu kannon, we found the Puffle and waffy cafe for an afternoon snack. At this point the group split to accommodate varying tastes. Rob took Alvin Record store shopping and on a Kirin tasting session. Meanwhile, the rest of us headed top the Tokagawa Museum. The blossom outside the museum was in glorious full bloom. This was marred somewhat by the continuous rain. We spent some time taking pics then mooched around looking at the museum’s collection.
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In the evening we decided to indulge our inner carnivores and to bbq some meat at a yakiniku restaurant. 
The following day was Alvin and Susannah’s last. We got a quick trip in to the Shinkansen museum. It’s a great interactive space with so much information. Mum was pleased as she got to see Mount Fuji from the window of a bullet train (kind of), and there are lots of amazing displays and exhibits, but I personally loved the fact that the toilets were styled like a shinkansen’s; small things...
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cherryscape · 6 years
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Sakura Week 2018
                      ↳ Day 5: Japanese Mythology
Konohanasakuya-hime (Cherry tree blossom blooming princess)  is the blossom-princess and symbol of delicate earthly life. She is the daughter of the mountain god Ohoyamatsumi. She is often considered an avatar of Japanese life, especially since her symbol is the sakura (cherry blossom). Konohanasakuya-hime is also the goddess of Mount Fuji and all volcanoes.
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thepoetcarpenter · 3 years
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The Christmas girl from Japan
By Immanuel &  Keith Urban for my Christmas girl from Japan, Mako
Hey the Christmas girl from Japan
Is your name Senna or Hinata
Ride or die from Tokyo to Osaka
Or were you just flying to meet The Rising Sun
Ride or die from the sunrise to the sunset
In your black leather rebel vest
Or were you just a rebel with your princesses sisters
In a rebellion I have never heard
And was your dad a Crown Prince in a samurai western
In a Kyoto rain to a Kyoko snow storm
Is that the norm
And did your mom could of been The Sunflower Empress
Before she kissed her son, The Morning Light
In a Sunrose Country that is still blooming
Even in a Nagano avalanche of 1998
And did it even bloomed
Between the feathers of an angel
Flying from Hiroshima to Nagasaki
When God told her she’ll fly over the world
With peace written on her wings
And did the Red Rose bloomed starkly in a Field of White Daisies
Would still blow in the wind of Fukushima in 2011
So I planted 20,000 and more cherry blossoms trees
For the souls that were gone
Can I still hold your hand next year
And we can get lost at a train station in Tokyo
And we’ll be lost in translation
But I promise I’ll learn the language of your Samurai Emperor
Yeah I promise I’ll learn the language of your Samurai Emperor 
Hey the Christmas girl from Japan
Is your name Senna or Hinata
Ride or die from Tokyo to Osaka
Or were you just flying to meet The Rising Sun
Ride or die from the sunrise to the sunset
In your black leather rebel vest
Or were you just a rebel with your princesses sisters
In a rebellion I have never heard
And was your dad also the Christmas Crown Prince in another samurai song
In the most earliest sunrise in Minami Torishima
To the most latest sunset in Cape Irizaki
Is your soul the map of Japan on your backhand
If so can you take me for some sushi and sashimi
In Hokkaido and we’ll have that with some Sapporo
And we’ll swim the Great Wave off Kanagawa
Yeah we’ll sail the Sea of Change
Is that strange
Yeah is that strange
Did your mom found her Prince Charming in another samurai song
Before she kissed her daughter-in-law, The Morning Star
In The Empire of The Sun
Or is that just another band’s song
If so I’ll write you another song
Yeah I’ll write you another song
Hey the Christmas girl from Japan
Is your name Senna or Hinata
Ride or die from Tokyo to Osaka
Or were you just flying to meet The Rising Sun
Ride or die from the sunrise to the sunset
In your black leather rebel vest
Or were you just a rebel with your princesses sisters
In a rebellion I have never heard
Have you seen the Sword of the Samurai
It was really good
Even better than the Last Samurai played by Tom Cruise
Was that your dad
The samurai that smell of sunflower
Even better yet we can go on a cruise
Around the Sea of Japan
Or on the highways of Japan
And we can get found under cherry blossoms trees
Around the sea around Mount Fuji
And we can read the sectionary
Of your Sunrise Empress
‘til I know your mother-tongue
And I don’t actually mean kissing her
I just mean learning the language of Japan
In a foreign exchange
Is that strange
Yeah is that strange
To end a love song on learning Japanese
But it’s your mother-tongue
So I’ll learn and be well-versed
Because I love you
Yeah I love you
Because you’re the Christmas girl from Japan
Yeah you’re the Christmas girl from Japan
Yeah you’re the Christmas girl from Japan
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