Jeepney Press Editorial Dennis Sun

YOMU: I FELL FOR FALL

Editorial by Dennis Sun

Early this year in April, I fell in love with spring—so much! With hardly anyone outdoors to appreciate the beauty and colors of the flowers abounding in the parks because of the pandemic, I was mostly alone, but overjoyed to have witnessed the colorful, dewy splendor, and the sweet scented flavors of the season.

Early this October, I have been falling in love with fall. After the heat and humidity of summer, I welcome autumn with a wide embrace. And then, a tight hug! The leaves with their kaleidoscope of colors fall down fluttering gracefully as they sweep my heart right away with their friendly gentle breeze, as if you are making love with nature.

Fall is, indeed, the perfect time of the year. Going out for a long walk becomes a heavenly gift any time of the day. The scent of the air and the chill of the wind are more than enough to make me fall in love with the season. What can be more beautiful than the sight of the Japanese autumn foliage, (kouyou)? From the green colors of summer, we see the whole of Japan wrapped with the changing colors in shades of red, orange, yellow, brown and gold. Hello to the magical wonders of the momiji, and the ginkos of Tokyo’s many wonderful neighborhood parks.

In Japan, they say food becomes more delicious in autumn. It’s a season for feasting of the new harvests of fruits and vegetables. We welcome the arrival of MIKAN (mandarin oranges), a staple in Japanese households once the chill arrives. It always brings back a flood of beautiful memories of meals throughout the years, at home and during travels across the country.

And yes, with the amazing Go To Travel campaign discounts now, there is no reason why you shouldn’t go out and discover more of Japan and travel. Fall in love with Japan more with its amazing natural sites and wonders. The possibilities are endless, and easier on the pocket. This is the silver lining of the pandemic. We may never have this discount opportunity again.

And while you start your journey around Japan, don’t forget to fall in love with the onsen! They say the most ideal way to appreciate the scenic views of the autumn foliage is while soaking in the hot springs. Soak, and meditate. Breathe in, and out. Enjoy being one with nature.

And while you are falling in love with fall, grab your phone and take lots of selfies with the beautiful sceneries and post them in your Facebook and Instagram accounts for all your friends to see and envy as you relate them your fabulous fairytales. This is no longer just for the millennial. Ojisans and obasans taking selfies are a joy to watch.

But I think the deeper message of the season is to learn naturally how to let things go and let things be. Listen to the lesson of the trees: “The trees are about to show us how lovely it is to let the dead things go.” And once you let go, you learn to appreciate more of life. You learn to fall in love with life, and maybe, fall in love with yourself.

Life is beautiful. Things come and go, but hope abounds. And before winter comes, you would be happy to say that you fell in love with fall after all!