Thursday, May 14, 2026
As Hokkaido's long winter quietly comes to an end and the earth begins to warm up as if breathing, tiny flower fairies descend upon the street corners of Hokuryu town.
Just as red and yellow paint softly blends into the pure white canvas of snow, the tulips have all begun to bloom at once.
Along the roadside flowerbeds, crimson red tulips like flames and yellow tulips that reflect the sun bloom side by side, bringing a sense of peace and tranquility to passersby.
The tulips in the garden, big and small, are all stretching towards the sky together, like a family.
"They've bloomed, they've bloomed, the tulip flowers have bloomed~♪"
It was a peaceful afternoon, the kind where you feel like a sweet singing voice might drift in on the spring breeze from somewhere.
The quiet compassion of those who deeply love flowers and meticulously cultivate them soothes the eyes of passersby and warms the hearts of travelers.
Spring in Hokuryu Town is synonymous with flowers. And beyond the flowers, the kindness of people shines softly.
◇ noboru & ikuko
