For the first time in many years I am missing the hanami season in Japan. This time of year when the sakura blooms is considered by the Japanese as a chance to enjoy the beauty of nature with friends and to recognise that the cherry blossom is symbolic of life: transient and beautiful. Acceptance of this premise (of impermanence)  is part of Buddhist doctrine.

I will be back in Tokyo for a few days and I’m sure the last petals will be falling to the ground as I arrive. Most of us will miss out on our hanami parties this year: The Tokyo government is discouraging public parties out of respect for those who have suffered during this last terrible month. I think it’s a bit much – people in Japan need to get together with friends under a beautiful tree, have a laugh and a sake/beer/onigiri now more than ever. They didn’t cancel Christmas during the war, did they?

The beautiful clouds of cherry blossoms

I have so much to write about my last month as an émigré – some remarkable travels were had indeed – but I will wait a few days and post them when I am back home so I can post my pictures too, which are always half of the story.

I will be leaving Japan after 3 days and who knows when I will return. I am sure she will call me back again one day…

Things that I miss about Japan now that I know my time there may be very limited include:

♦Onigiri, or Japanese rice balls. My favourite ones contain pickled plums or mustard leaves wrapped in crispy nori – おいしい! “Oishii!”

♦Oshibori are the hand wipes/towels that are offered to you when you go to a restaurant, cafe or some bars. I have become so accustomed to them that I carry my own wet wipes.

♦The park that I walk through every day to get to work – I am just learning the names of all the trees

♦My friends

♦My job

♦My turtles

♦Safe streets full of taxis that are always right outside my front door

♦Umeshu Soda: Japanese plum wine is just divine with soda water and ginger

♦The good people of Japan – I have very little fault to find with them. I feel like one of the team and it is these people that I will miss the most

More than anything, we will miss the loved ones we have all lost

Pray for Japan, please keep it up!