In Japan, Sakura (cherry blossoms) is a national object of reverence, because it represents the state of “mono no aware”, which I’ve been feeling and trying to make sense of all my life.

Here’s my favorite translation: “the quietly elated, bittersweet feeling of having been witnessed to the dazzling circus of life —knowing that none of it can last”.

I’d love to know if you can relate.

Art inspired by this random place I stopped by near my home in Matsuyama. I thought this was beautiful and wanted to paint it.

Mono-no-aware by Yuki Matsumura 2019, watercolors.