Izanami: In early April, when the Japanese new year begins, light pink cherry blossoms bloom all over Japan, making Japanese people feel upbeat. Izanagi: Cherry blossoms is one of Japan’s national flowers, but they fall in a week or so. Izanami: Japanese people have long associated cherry blossoms with life, because of their dainty blooms and fleeting nature that quickly fades away. Izanagi: It is said that “Cherry blossoms are falling, and the remaining cherry blossoms are also destined to fall” is a death poem by Ryokan, who was said to be a Zen master. Izanami: The mentality of loving nature, appreciating the beauty of natural changes, and accepting nature as it is has greatly influenced the culture and life philosophy of the Japanese people. Izanagi: Ryokan also composed the following haiku while appreciating the autumn leaves. “Showing their backside, and frontside, the maple leaves are falling.” The spirit of beauty in fusion with nature can also be seen in Japanese gardens. Izanami: While the French and Italians prefer symmetrical geometric garden designs, the Japanese prefer natural beauty to artificial beauty. Izanagi: Japanese people find beauty not only in conspicuous flowers such as cherry blossoms, but also in flowers that bloom quietly on the roadside or wither and die, expressing this beauty in the concept of “wabi-sabi.” Izanami: One of the songs by the popular male idol group SMAP, which took the world by storm, is “Sekai ni hitotsu dake no hana (Only One Flower in the World).” Izanagi: Released in 2002 and a big hit, this song is about how everyone deserves affirmation and acceptance of others. Izanami: Looking at the world, there are many people who want to stand out somehow. Izanagi: Many people also believe that those with social status and riches are happy, but many of those who achieve fame and fortune sacrifice their ordinary lives. Izanami: Moreover, many people ask themselves, “Am I really happy now?” even after gaining fame and wealth. Izanagi: People want what they don’t have and have a hard time realizing the value of what they do have. Izanami: Many people are able to relax and spend time with their hobbies and families after work. One could argue that people are happiest when they can live comfortably as “normal” people. Izanagi: Like the siblings Tyltyl and Mytyl in Maeterlinck’s fairy tale “The Blue Bird,” few people may realize that true happiness is close at hand. Izanami: Regarding the inequality from birth, there is a story in the Grimm’s fairly tale entitled “Godfather Death.” Izanagi: A man says, “God does not treat people equally, but the Grim Reaper is fair because he gives death to poor and rich alike without distinction.” Izanami: This idea can be shared by many in the world who feel the absurdity of the current disparity in society. Izanagi: True happiness lies in realizing that life is limited and, lies in living happily without regard for wealth or fame. ( From June issue, 2022 / 2022年6月号より）