One of my favorite images of Japan is the one of the flower Higambana (彼岸花), separating rice fields. The colors are so stunning – the contrast of the green rice plants, the deep red flowers, and the blue mountains in the background are a haven for artists, Zen followers, nature lovers, and dozens more.

Higambana means Autumnal Equinox flower and its blooming  lasts for about 10 days only.

With the current news about Japan and so many negative images of destruction, angst, and death, I tried to remember the Japan I used to know, and the image of the Higambana came to mind.

Higambana flowers and rice fields around Kitakyushu/Japan

The only time I saw these flowers, was when we participated on a bus tour, sponsored by the International Center of Kitakyushu. Otherwise I might have never spotted this plant, which only blooms for a short time.

This sight in late summer, combined with summer’s humidity and a slight evening breeze, is the real Japan.