These items are what sandwiched my day today.  I woke up to news that the Chubu Nuclear power plant in Shizouka, Japan, has been unable to remove a melted nuclear rod for over 17 years since an accident occurred at the plant.  For 17 years, the power plant hid the truth that they have been completely unable to remove it for reprocessing.

It is so sad and utterly frustrating, to see the situation here develop, and at times worsen, and they only response is an “Oh, well.”  As an artist I feel really torn.  At times I want to make protest art, but at others, I want to celebrate the beauty and in some ways use art as a soul searching escapism.  I do feel that protest art is an important for artist to become involved in.  It never has been something that I have felt comfortable with; however, I will support artist that choose to protest.  Go ahead!  Please make some noise.  It is unfortunate that here in Japan, the arts are so marginalized that protest music and art gets pretty much zero attention from the press.  I guess my neighbors, much rather watch baseball, or another AKB 48 special.  UGHHHH.

Then there was the other side of my day.  This lovely water droplet covered rose in someone’s garden.  It was so beautiful, it did make me forget the terrible news I read in the paper this morning.  I could loose myself in the twirling petals, and watch the droplets slowly roll down the thorns.

All in one day.  Just another day in Japan post March 11th.  Not sure when it’ll ever end.  Rise up! Celebrate life in all its shapes and forms.  And to all those artist out there that see fit to raise a voice, slap a poster, or paint out your anger!  I salute you!

The weather was gorgeous today.  The sun was high in the sky and the cool air blowing in from Tokyo Bay.  As the residents of Tokyo continue to return to normal the flowers only know that it is time to spring forth.

The blooming has begun across all kinds of plants.  Rose bushes are starting to unfold their lovely petals.  The cherry blossom trees that line my park are continuing to open up.  Small groups of mothers with their children are gathering under the cherry blossoms to celebrate the end of winter and the coming of spring.  This year the hanami (cherry blossom watching parties) will be a bit subdued.  I do not see scores of new recruits staking out blue tarps for company parties after the work day has finished.  Tokyo has banned large parties this year and has posted signs that if you are to gather to keep it quiet and cut back on the drinking.

Even though the large parties will not happen, I will be happy to see families out and about enjoying the spring.  With all that Japan has suffered in there 3-11 the bonding will be beneficial for all.

I have, we have, no choice but to be optimistic.  We have to think towards a better day.  We are all trying to cut back on our electrical use.  We are all trying to get back to our so called normal lives.  I sincerely hope that Japan will continue to be thrifty with their energy consumption after learning to make do with less.

No matter what we do, we cannot stop spring from springing; therefore, we should embrace the spring with open arms like long lost family.  Hey there spring!  It surely is fantastic to see you again.