Miyagi

In the aftermath of the earthquake and subsequent tsunami that hit the Miyagi Prefecture in Japan, the Japanese people remain calm and dignified, queuing up for food, petrol, etc. and looking after each other. This catastrophe occurred just before spring when the cherry blossoms bloom and Japan would be at its most scenic.

a crane perches
amongst the cherry blossoms
Miyagi

To the Japanese, the short-lived cherry blossom is a symbol of the fleeting nature of life and the crane, which migrates to Japan in the fall to spend the winter, a symbol of peace and harmony.

Japan is also known as the Land of the Rising Sun and the stoic Japanese firmly believes that, like the sun, Miyagi will rise again.

through flurries of snow
rays wake the cherry blossoms
a new sun rises