JPN Paradox 07 | More on Diversity in Japan

What nature reveals about how we experience diversity.

Photo by Emanuele Bono

Previously, I shared my perspective on diversity in Japan.

Today, I want to explore it from a different angle.

The way we appreciate nature can reflect different perspectives.

When we think of cherry blossoms in spring, many of us imagine a picture-perfect scene. Soft pink flowers in full bloom against a bright blue sky.

When we think of Mt. Fuji, we often picture its snow-capped peak.

My mother taught me to appreciate nature in every stage.

Before the cherry blossoms bloom, there is anticipation.

We watch the buds closely, wondering when they will open, hoping the rain will hold off.

And when the petals begin to fall, there is a different kind of beauty.

In Japanese, we call it “hana fubuki,” a “flower blizzard.” There is a quiet sense of nostalgia in how fleeting it all is.

Mt. Fuji, too, is never just one image. Its shape changes depending on where you stand. Even when it is hidden behind clouds, there is something quietly compelling about its presence.

The same subject, seen differently and sometimes, felt differently.

The more I reflect on diversity, the more I realize it is about recognizing that there are many ways of seeing, feeling, and appreciating the same thing.

What about you?

***JPN Paradox series is not an indictment of Japan. It’s an invitation to explore perspectives, to reflect on what may seem paradoxical across different cultural and social contexts. By making these tensions visible, we hope to spark dialogue and deepen understanding. We’d love to hear your perspective.***