Dear friends,
I’m back.
The last 2 weeks I was lost in the feeling of “What if”. It’s a mix of sadness, regret and definitely maybe something could happen instead of those things that happened.

世界は残酷だ それでも君を愛すよ
This world is so cruel and yet I still love you.

If your were in Tokyo last Autumn, you know how short this season was. It lasted only 3 days as I remembered. Have you sighed softly as the last rays of an autumn sunset faded? Have you ever watched cherry blossom petals drift to the ground, felt a pang of bittersweet beauty? That delicate, poignant emotion, that gentle melancholy interwoven with appreciation, is at the heart of a profound Japanese concept: Mono no aware (物の哀れ).

Mono no aware can be translated as “the pathos of things” or “a sensitivity to ephemera”. This concept is far more than just a hint of sadness. It’s a deep, empathetic awareness of the transient nature of life, the fleeting beauty of moments, and the quiet sorrow that comes with knowing all things must pass. It’s not about despair, but about a soft, wistful acceptance that makes the beautiful moments even more precious.

Imagine this concept is like our first love. Back then it was pure and soft because it was the very first time we fell in love without truly knowing what love is. First love can be considered as the purest form of love because we let our heart decides. Then, imagine a single, perfect snowflake melting on your glove. Its intricate beauty is breathtaking, yet its existence is momentary. Mono no aware isn’t lamenting its loss, but rather cherishing the brief wonder of its presence and feeling a tender sorrow that such beauty cannot last.

Mono no aware permeates Japanese art, literature, and daily life. Think of how you appreciate the changing seasons, the ritual of hanami or the silent moment when you watch momiji, where joy mingles with the subtle understanding of their short-lived glory. It teaches us to:
– Cherish the present
– Find beauty in imperfection
– Develop empathy

This world is too cruel sometimes. It takes away the things and the people we love. Time sometimes takes away the feelings we thought could last forever. In our fast-paced world, embracing Mono no aware can be a powerful practice. It encourages us to slow down, observe, and feel deeply. It invites us to sit with the gentle hum of impermanence, finding a quiet, profound grace in the ebb and flow of life. It’s a bittersweet harmony, reminding us that even in farewells, there is a deep, resonant beauty to be found.