Discover Japanese nature terms

Are you familiar with any of the Japanese terms that are used to depict seasonal variations or the delicate beauty of nature?

Komorebi is a beautiful Japanese term that refers to the sunlight filtering through the leaves of trees. It's often used to describe the dappled or filtered sunlight that creates patterns of light and shadow on the ground or other surfaces in forests or wooded areas.

This phenomenon is highly appreciated in Japanese culture for its serene and tranquil aesthetic, often evoking feelings of peace and harmony with nature. This can be observed when walking in nature, and observing the changes in shadows and light filtering through the trees.

Oubaitori is another wonderfully descriptive Japanese idiom. Each individual character represents a different kind of blossom: cherry, apricot, peach and plum.

While these four different blossoms look very similar at first glance, they all bloom differently and have their own distinct shapes and smells. Yet despite their differences, each and every blossom is proud and beautiful in its own way.

The concept of oubaitori extends this notion to individuals. Similar to how flowers blossom uniquely, people also mature and evolve in diverse ways. Essentially, each person is blooming in their own distinct manner. Every individual is unique and should take pride in their individuality.

Oubaitori emphasizes the importance of concentrating on our personal development and appreciating our unique qualities, rather than comparing ourselves to others.