April 3rd has long been a day enjoyed by many people in Kamuro as a day for cherry blossom viewing. I returned to the island on this day.
The cherry blossoms were in full bloom all over Oshima, including Kamuro. "The cherry blossoms remind me of many things," Basho wrote when he visited his hometown.The cherry blossoms on Oshima were indeed in full bloom everywhere.
When my mother passed away eight years ago, the head priest invited me to return to the island for the general memorial service. Due to work commitments, I returned at night. I remember being moved by the falling cherry blossom petals as I passed under the Gojo Senbonzakura. This year, due to the cold weather in March and the return of cold at the end of the month, the cherry blossoms bloomed all at once, and I didn't notice the usual time lag between blooming.
Even in poverty, the Kamuro people enjoyed the seasons. Starting with the New Year, they ate kanmochi(rice cakes) for the Lunar New Year, sliced them thinly, or baked them into rice crackers or arare (rice crackers). Around Hinamatsuri, they fried rice and arare and made balls with starch syrup to eat as snacks. They made ohagi (rice dumplings) for the equinox, and bento boxes for cherry blossom viewing on April 3rd, which they enjoyed at Nagase, Ipponmatsu, Shirakiyama, and other places behind the house. In May, they made kashiwamochi (rice cakes with leaves of Japanese kashiwa).
On the way home, I bought some chirashi sushi at the supermarket and enjoyed cherry blossom viewing by myself.
On the 4th, I went to the bamboo grove to look for bamboo shoots, but there were traces of wild boars and I couldn't find any. I bought a chainsaw when I retired 15 years ago and spent about 5 years clearing the bamboo grove, but wild boars started appearing in Kamuro six years ago, and the grove has been left overgrown again ever since. However, I could see new bamboo, so if the time is right, I guess I could pick some bamboo shoots.
After returning home, I mow the grass around the house. If I don't go back to the island about once a month until November to mow the grass around the house, it will be a mess. I'm naturally messy, so if my mother saw me, she would probably say, "What did you mow?", but it's important to put in a little effort.
There was a little wind, but it showed me a typical seascape for this time of year. After noon, I drank my usual whiskey and enjoyed the sea of Kamuro. "The sea in spring is lazy and calm all day long." I felt good.
As an aside, the "Hiroshima Kamuro Party" will be held at Granvia Hiroshima from 11am on Saturday, May 10th. Let's have fun!
*The date of the Hiroshima Kamuro Event has been postponed due to unforeseen circumstances. We will notify you at a later date.
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