Check out my latest videos of Free Hugs in Tokyo. This is the latest one (at Meiji Jingu with Kokohana BGM):
This one is the "Christmas Time" video. Don't miss it!
It's a beautiful day today! The sun is shining...spring is on its way. My sister-in-law, Miwako Watanabe, did a beautiful flower arrangement for the Ikebana display in Shinjuku last week. It represents the coming of spring after a long winter.
This display and the last one I posted on my blog are not traditional Ikebana displays. Many of the participants created wall displays.
I went to the Ikebana show in Shinjuku last week, and it was very impressive. I especially liked this display on the wall.
While I was taking a picture of it, I met the person who made it (Junko Shimada 嶋田純子). I complimented her on how I liked the green plant in the middle that seemed to reach out. She explained that she was inspired by the lone tree in Rikuzen Takata City that survived the tsunami. It is a symbol of hope and the endurance of life.
I featured this one today because today is March 11. I'll post more pictures later this week, including my sister-in-law's very beautiful and colorful arrangement which symbolizes the beauty of spring after a long, cold winter.
Sunday is one year since the disaster. Many are still struggling to cope. We must continue to send our prayers and positive thoughts to those who lost so much.
Also, I want to mention Ofunato. That is the town I visited several times over the past year. I thought I would repost my video here so people can take some time to watch, to pray, and to send positive thoughts up north.
I recieved a message from Koku Sigbrey. She wants to make another video for the people of Tohoku showing support from all over the world. She asked for a picture of my hands. Well, I thought it best to take a picture of my hands in a praying position. Let's pray for peace of mind for all, and for joy to return to those who are rebuilding in Tohoku.
