Tanka:
桜のように (Sakura no you ni)
Like a Cherry Blossom

In March 2024, I had the honor of presenting a piece that intertwined my love for poetry and kiri-e art at the Japanese Culture Forum held at the Texas State Museum of Asian Cultures. The audience was distinguished, including professors from A&M and Rice University, as well as a representative from the Asia Society in Houston.

美しい,

わたし な りたい…

桜の木。

散ってもいても,

一週間かな。

Utsukushii,

Watashi na ritai…

Sakura no ki.

Chittemo itemo,

isshukan kana.

Very Beautiful.

I have the desire to be…

like Sakura trees.

Even when I am falling…

even only for a week.

Kirie Art and Tanka: 

For those unfamiliar, kirie art is the traditional Japanese craft of paper-cutting, where intricate designs are carved out of a single sheet of paper. It’s a practice that requires patience, precision, and a keen eye for detail—qualities that also resonate deeply with the art of tanka.

A tanka is a traditional form of Japanese poetry that consists of five lines with a specific syllable pattern: 5-7-5-7-7. This form dates back over a thousand years and is known for its ability to convey deep emotions and vivid imagery within a compact structure

Inspiration:

As I crafted my piece, I found inspiration in the beauty of the Sakura tree. There’s something mesmerizing about the delicate cherry blossoms. While pondering what makes these trees so captivating, I discovered a fascinating Japanese term: hana fubuki. It refers to the flurry of falling cherry blossom petals. (in my poem I chittemo which is another term)

Learning about hana fubuki was a pivotal moment in my creative process. The idea of cherry blossom petals falling like snow perfectly encapsulated the themes of impermanence and beauty that I wanted to convey. This term, rich in cultural significance, deepened my appreciation for the Sakura tree and added a poetic touch to my performance.

Here are 3 things I learned from Sakura trees:

  • You don’t have to be perfect to be beautiful:
    • You don’t always have to be in “full bloom.”
    • A Sakura tree only blooms for about 1 week before the petals start falling. Yet it is still a beautiful, loved tree.
  • When you Fall, Fall with grace:
    • Failure is a part of life and a part of learning.
    • How you handle setbacks matters. Understand A single fall does not define your entire journey.
    • Falling with grace is about humility, mindfulness, acceptance, and resilience.
    • Sakura trees are resilient, the petals fall beautifully and will return.
  • Who you are at your best, says as much about you as who you are at your worst.
    • As you grow and shape your identity, understand that both your strengths and weaknesses are fundamental parts of who you are. Being genuine and true to yourself allows for personal growth and self-awareness.
    • The way you treat others during times of achievement or when you’re in a position of influence speaks volumes about your character.
    • True integrity is revealed not only in personal victories and challenges but also in kindness and respect.
    • . Like the Sakura’s blossoms, our actions during times of abundance contribute to the beauty of our journey, leaving a positive imprint on those around us.
Performing at the Forum

Standing in front of a room filled with esteemed academics and cultural representatives was both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. As I performed my tanka and my kirie art, I felt a connection to the audience. The feedback from the audience was overwhelmingly positive, and it was clear that the combination of these two art forms struck a chord.

Reflecting on this experience, I am grateful for the opportunity to share my work and the chance to connect. The blend of tanka and kiri-e allowed me to express the beauty and transience of life in a unique and memorable way. I look forward to continuing this artistic journey and exploring new ways to intertwine poetry and visual art.

Thank you for sharing in this experience with me. I hope my tanka and kiri-e art inspire you to find beauty in life.

So, with that said,

be beautiful like a Sakura tree.

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