#223 Buried in a flurry of spring blossoms,…
| Size： | about 33×24 cm |
|---|---|
| Dressing： | framed |
What kind of verse?
| verse: | Haru kaze no, hana no fubuki ni, udumore te, yuki mo yarare nu, Shiga no yamamichi |
|---|---|
| (imho): | Buried in a flurry of spring blossoms, I cannot find my way— Lost upon the mountain paths of Shiga. |
| poet: | Saigyo |
| in: | 12th century |
A Season of Challenges and New Beginnings
I wrote this spring poem on paper decorated with the motif of “fuyuichigo” (winter strawberries), a fruit that ripens in winter.
Speaking of bearing fruit in winter, this is also the season of university entrance exam results in Japan—a time when hard work finally takes shape. In Japan, entrance exams for universities typically take place in January and February, with results announced from late February to March. This period marks a significant transition for students as they await the outcome of years of preparation.
Since I had been working through past entrance exam questions alongside students preparing for their exams, I hardly had time to work on my calligraphy pieces, and my blog updates had fallen behind. Solving university entrance exam questions again after decades made me realize how much deeper and more thought-provoking they have become. Every generation of students faces challenges, but looking back, I feel fortunate that I only had to take the standardized Center Test, which was the common university entrance exam at the time.
The waka I chose this time depicts a traveler on the mountain paths of Shiga, buried in a blizzard of cherry blossoms, unable to see ahead. In many ways, this resembles the journey of exam preparation—one must forge a path forward despite uncertainty. Just as cherry petals obscure the way, anxiety and doubt may cloud the mind. Yet, just as the wind eventually clears the swirling blossoms to reveal a new landscape, I believe that perseverance will always lead to new opportunities.
Regardless of the outcome, the efforts and struggles of this season will surely become a source of strength in the future. I sincerely wish all students great success in their endeavors.