Across Japanese archipelago cherry trees are in full blossom.
This year hanami time has been drastically different from the previous ones.
And the reason needs not to be explained.
Once in a life time disaster has hit this peaceful and prosperous country.
It happened all of sudden, and with tremendous consequences.
While driving, I spotted a boy in his dark school uniform, climbing the road with the bicycle by his side.
I have approached him and asked if he has couple minutes to talk. And he accepted.
So we were standing in front of the gate of near-by shrine and I asked him how in his school the latest events in Japan were explained. (大原神社前)
His name is Tan, 12 years old and goes to junior high school in Hesaka.
To go there, he needs to go by bicycle from home to Mukainada station and take the train to Hesaka.
It takes time but he does not complain.
I learned something interesting from him that represents the best reflection of Japanese mentality.
At school, they have been told to study as hard as possible even for the part of those that have lost their lives recently.
I was surprised and impressed by the same time.
★城北生でした