Current location:Stellar Series news portal > world
VOX POPULI: Scent of snow fills the air after Tokyo receives a wet, wintry mix
Stellar Series news portal2024-05-21 21:14:31【world】4People have gathered around
IntroductionMany years ago, I received a New Year’s “nengajo” (greeting postcard) from a young man who had reloc
Many years ago, I received a New Year’s “nengajo” (greeting postcard) from a young man who had relocated from Saitama Prefecture to Akita Prefecture for his job.
He wrote, “I realized for the first time that there is such a thing as the scent of snow.”
From his message, I could sense his quiet pleasure in making new discoveries while struggling to adjust to his life in the unfamiliar snow country.
Since then, I have remembered his words whenever it has snowed.
As the air trembles and condenses in the cold, so to speak, I would try to sniff out the scent of snow in the back of my nose.
I can readily recognize the smell now. But in the past, I did not even know it existed. We humans are so strange.
Actually, snow not only gives off a scent, but it also makes sounds.
A heavy accumulation of snow atop a house causes the roof to creak, as if the snow is determined to crush everything under its weight.
“No other sound is more terrifying,” a friend of mine, a native of a snow-bound town on the Sea of Japan coast, used to say.
Snow fell in Tokyo on Feb. 5.
It was actually a wet, wintry mix, but bad enough to disrupt public transportation and the distribution of goods, and it must have inconvenienced many people.
I hope everyone will watch out for icy patches underfoot today, so they won’t slip and hurt themselves.
In the big cities, the amount of snowfall has apparently decreased over the years. However, the inconveniences and dangers to the daily lives of citizens must have increased.
Asked repeatedly to refrain from non-urgent outings, I, for one, would be made to feel unnecessarily rushed and flustered.
Even though I tell myself I have to live with this, I can’t help feeling sorry for myself for not being able to have the luxury of sitting back and simply enjoying the snow.
In “Kuroi Fukin” (Black organ), poet Sakutaro Hagiwara (1886-1942) wrote to the effect, “Woman, play the organ/ Lightly, gently and solemnly/ Like the sound of falling snow.”
--The Asahi Shimbun, Feb. 6
* *
*Vox Populi, Vox Dei is a popular daily column that takes up a wide range of topics, including culture, arts and social trends and developments. Written by veteran Asahi Shimbun writers, the column provides useful perspectives on and insights into contemporary Japan and its culture.
Address of this article:http://senegal.3elevenboutique.com/html-08c799986.html
Very good!(47618)
Related articles
- New York Liberty improve to 4
- Ten of the world's best airports for food and drinks, according to experts
- A top Russian military official reportedly linked to Ukraine's Mariupol arrested for bribe
- Celine Dion reveals the reason she NEVER borrows clothes from top designers like other celebs
- Pentagon vows to keep weapons moving to Ukraine as Kyiv faces a renewed assault by Russia
- Alcaraz is cautious ahead of Madrid Open. The Spaniard is not 100% sure he will play
- Sports betting: Caleb Williams favored to be No. 1 overall pick in NFL draft
- Phish fans are famously dedicated. What happens when they enter the Sphere?
- Jodie Turner
- Housing crisis laid bare as couple turn disused bus stop into a temporary home
Popular articles
Recommended
French sports minister calls for sanctions after Monaco player tapes over anti
Paris mayor is confident that water quality will allow Olympic swimming in the River Seine
Tensions simmer near a shoal both China and the Philippines claim — Radio Free Asia
Analysts: US missile deployment expected to assist Philippines’ defense — Radio Free Asia
What a blast to work at NASA. Space agency is sky
Stoinis powers Lucknow to 6
Baltimore port to open deeper channel, enabling some cargo ships to pass after bridge collapse
European parliament passes law banning forced labor products — Radio Free Asia
Links
- China initiates program to boost employment among college graduates
- Kentucky AD Barnhart: No comment on suit by former swimmers alleging sexual misconduct by ex
- Chinese scientists invent ultrathin optical crystal for next
- Chinese researchers uncover secrets behind adult fireflies' light organs
- Mike Tyson sends warning shot to Jake Paul ahead of their July 20 fight, as 57
- Chinese scientists precisely monitor solar radiation on Earth's surface
- China's space environment monitoring satellites sent into space
- Chinese firms can narrow AI gap with US within 1 or 2 years: founder of cybersecurity company
- China sends 9 satellites from sea
- DR ELLIE CANNON: Are the drugs I'm taking to blame for my hip pain?