In Masaoka Shiki’s haiku, there is a verse that goes, ‘In my hometown, whichever way I look, the mountains are smiling.’ This personifies the spring mountains that undergo a complete transformation from the winter scenery, as the grass and trees sprout, and vibrant flowers bring forth a sense of splendor. For Shiki, who spent much time confined to a sickbed, the landscape of budding spring, especially in the early days of the New Year, must have held a particularly poignant significance. Even when looking at distant mountains, with the new buds of trees bursting forth, the entire mountain resembles a soft sofa. When gazing at the sky, flocks of migratory birds can be seen flying either north or south, forming groups as they soar through the air. From the nearby lakes, the sound of fish leaping can be heard. On the ground, mountain vegetables emerge from the soil, and grass and flowers display a lively appearance. Amidst the trees and flowers, one can imagine the joyful presence of birds and small animals. Among Japan’s rich and varied seasons, this time of year is when the joy of living and courage bubble up the most. If possible, one would wish for a world that is more peaceful, but alas, that is not the case.

正岡子規の俳句に、「故郷や どちらを見ても 山笑う」というのがあります。冬景色から一変して草木が芽吹き、色とりどりの花で華やぎだした春の山を「笑う」と擬人化したわけです。病床に伏せることの多かった子規にとって、新春の芽吹きの風景はことさら感じさせるものがあったに違いありません。遠くの山を見ても、木々の新芽が吹き出して、山全体が柔らかいソファの様です。空を見上げたら、渡り鳥が北に飛んで行くのか南に飛んで行くのか、集団になって飛んで行きます。前の湖沼からは、魚の飛び跳ねる水音が聞こえてきます。地面では山菜が土の中から顔を出し、草花も生き生きとした様子を見せてくれます。樹々や草花の間には、鳥や小動物などの喜ぶ姿もあるでしょう。日本の豊かな四季折々の中でも、生きる喜びと勇気がふつふつと湧き出てくるのがこの時期です。できる事なら、世界がもっと平和であってくれたら言う事はないのですが。