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In traditional Japanese culture, there is an element of deep appreciation for nature and seasonal change.  During late-February in the Yokosuka City and Miura Peninsula areas there are signs of winter slowly giving way to the arrival of spring, such as the blooming plum trees and occasional rain showers arriving from the west & southwest.  From olden times, there are some Japanese proverbs & sayings about this time of year:

(1) 三寒四温 (SAN-KAN SHI-ON) ... Which means "Three cold days, four warm days" ... This phrase describes the typical weather pattern during the transition from winter to spring

(2) 冬来たりなば春遠からじ (FUYU KITARI-NABA HARU TO-KA-RAJI) ... "If winter comes, spring is not far behind" ... In a way, this is a message of hope and resilience, suggesting that the toughest times (winter) are just a precursor to better times (spring)

(3) 春の風が心地よい (HARU NO KAZE GA KOKO-CHI YOI) ... "The spring breeze is pleasant" ... This expression highlights the relief and warmth felt after a long winter

(4) 柳に雪折れなし (YANAGI NI YUKI-ORE NASHI) ... "Snow does not break a willow tree" ... This refers to the flexibility of the willow tree ... Its branches bend under the weight of winter snow rather than snapping ... So, it is wise to be flexible and adaptable in order to overcome hardship

(5) 物ノ哀れ (MONO NO AWA-RE) ... "Nothing lasts forever" ... This is an ancient Japanese concept, or way of looking at the world, where seasonal change becomes a reminder that impermanence is one of the few permanent things in life.   It refers to the gentle, bittersweet feelings of cherishing the fleeting passage of time and the changing beauty of things.  

We hope you will enjoy the coming weeks with the steady arrival of spring. Written by Goodfield