梅一輪いちりんほどの暖かさ
ume ichirin ichirin hodo no atatakasa


one plum blossoms
means one step closer
to warmth


—Ransetsu
(Tr. David LaSpina)

_{("Red Plum Blossom in the Moonlight" by Hiroshige)}

In Japan the plum blossoms aren't as big a deal as they are in China, but they may well be the most popular flower after the cherry blossoms. At one time in Japanese history they were actually more popular than the cherry blossoms; even today many older people prefer them, mainly because going plum blossom watching is a much more quiet affair then going cherry blossom watching.

They are thought to be a signal that spring will very soon be here, and also loved for their very sweet fragrance. They are also thought to protect against evil, and for that reason most traditional houses have a plum tree in the northeast corner of the yard, which is the direction evil is said to come from.

The plum blossoms are starting to bloom in Japan as I write this. I think you can probably fine similar sentiment to this haiku everywhere currently: Almost spring! Almost warmer weather!

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Don't miss other great haiku in the Haiku of Japan series!

Recent Haiku

• 81 — Winter Game
• 82 — Hated Crow
• 83 — Passing Through
• 84 — Dried Salmon
• 85 — Little Demon Hunters
• 86 — Still Alive
• 87 — After Demon Purification
• 88 — Burning House
• 89 — Cold Night
• 90 — Midnight Noises
• 91 — Still Laughing
• 92 — Paper, Rock, Scissors
• 93 — Straight Hole
• 94 — Dreams of Cherry Blossoms
• 95 — Doll Faces
• 96 — O Ye Sea Slug of Little Faith

Collections

• Collection 1 :: Haiku 1–10
• Collection 2 :: Haiku 11–20
• Collection 3 :: Haiku 21-30
• Collection 4 :: Haiku 31-40
• Collection 5 :: Haiku 41-50
• Collection 6 :: Haiku 51-60
• Collection 7 :: Haiku 61–70
• Collection 8 :: Haiku 71–80

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I post one photo everyday, as well as a haiku and as time allows, videos, more Japanese history, and so on. Let me know if there is anything about Japan you would like to know more about or would like to see.

Who is David?
	David LaSpina is an American photographer lost in Japan, trying to capture the beauty of this country one photo at a time.