In Japan, the old calendar started with the spring. Since changing to the Western calendar a hundred and fifty years ago they celebrate New Years during the middle of winter, yet spring is still considered the true start of the year in many ways, in many events, and in many traditional activities (like haiku).
As spring draws near and I survey things, I notice how long I've been here and how I think of that.
十五年却って日本を指す故郷
fifteen years
I now think of Japan
as my home
I wonder where the next fifteen will find me? Time flies.
| David LaSpina is an American photographer and translator lost in Japan, trying to capture the beauty of this country one photo at a time and searching for the perfect haiku. |