The horsetails announce the arrival of spring in Hokuryu Town

Thursday, April 23, 2026

Clusters of horsetails have begun to appear in the grassy areas all over Hokuryu town.

Amidst the fierce winds of the first strong spring breeze, the horsetails emerge, undeterred by the storm, powerfully forcing their way through the hard, frozen ground.

This is a quintessential symbol of life force, quietly yet powerfully announcing the arrival of true spring.

Horsetails are the spore-bearing stems of the field horsetail plant. They are born solely to release spores, and once their purpose is fulfilled, they wither and turn brown within just one to two weeks, returning to the earth.

A life that is short but vivid. That is precisely why the brilliance of this moment is so dazzling.

The lives that have endured the long, harsh Hokkaido winter deep underground are now, bathed in the spring light, rising all at once towards the heavens.

The sight seems to straighten the posture of those who see it and awaken the "energy for life" that lies dormant deep within their hearts.

With boundless love, gratitude, and prayers, we offer our deepest respect for the precious power of the horsetail, which survives with incredible vitality and returns to the earth after fulfilling its important role.

◇ noboru & ikuko