Although we are still in the middle of Winter, the days are getting longer, which I feel is a very promising sign!
As you probably know, the Japanese people are very fond of Sakura (cherry blossom) in Spring. Actually, in the Nara period (710-784) the Japanese were far more fond of Ume (plum blossom) than Sakura. Ume blossom comes into flower earlier than Sakura, and its best season is early February to the end of March. The sweet fragrance of the blossom is particularly wonderful coming in such a cold season. I often remember the lovely plum tree that my family had that always showered us with beautiful white blossom at that time of year, and which filled the air with its elegant scent. Really charming were the nightingales, who were attracted by the fragrance and came to the garden to sing their beautiful songs. I was very young, but Ume and nightingales then became a very special symbol for me, a message that Spring is just around the corner.