To the world of silver
Snow began falling in Itoshiro last week, turning the area into a world of silvery white.
This year, the rain started late, so autumn seemed to last longer than usual. Thanks to that, I was able to finish preparing the pickles.
In December, I would normally worry about traveling to and from an exhibition outside my area on snowy roads, but I was grateful to be able to travel without much anxiety.
Itoshiro is a village located beyond two ski resorts, and many people would have difficulty living without a certain amount of snow. It is also the source of water at the foot of Mt. Hakusan, so if there is not enough snow, it will affect the amount of water downstream in summer, so snow accumulation is essential.
Of course, it would be easier to live our daily lives without snow, but this is a place where snow is meant to be, so when it starts to pile up like this, it's a relief.
From now on, people will be checking the snowfall, removing it, tasting the pickles and making arrangements to leave when they are ready, and making rice cakes and soba noodles in preparation for the New Year, all of which are part of the typical Itoshiro snowy country life.
Looking at the snow-capped mountains, I wonder how the wild animals sleep up there, or how the small buds of plants must have grown stronger by surviving the winter; my perspective towards things other than the people who live in the same place as me changes a little, and I feel more compassionate towards them.
I believe that the beauty and strength of nature comes from overcoming the harsh, cold winters, and I believe the same can be said of people and everything around us.
When you think about it that way, the snow and cold are not necessarily negative factors, but rather an important period of preparation for the new spring. I would like to learn from and put into practice the unique Itoshiro wisdom of the people who have lived here, who have managed to survive these conditions in a fun and delicious way.
My children are as energetic as ever, playing in the river in the summer, but now they're in ski gear and working out in the snow almost every day. It's a joy to watch my children grow up to be strong, reliable, and healthy.
Tomorrow is the winter solstice. It will get colder and colder, but the nights are the longest on this day, and from now on, the nights will get shorter as we approach spring. Even though it is long, I want to take my time to enjoy the winter time that passes by in the blink of an eye.
I hope you all enjoy this season.
