Through the Eyes Of… Mitsuru Wakabayashi and Wataru Sato

Every year, Japan’s gardens, parks and trees turn from a gorgeous shade of green to a beautiful soft pink marking the arrival of spring and new beginnings. For years, the Japanese have appreciated and celebrated these flowers that bless their lives, before fading away. It’s a transient romance – filled with petals, poetry and the promise of a fresh start. 

For a photographer it’s always a spectacular sight to capture. We take a look Through the Eyes of two photographers - Mitsuru Wakabayashi and Wataru Sato as they celebrate Sakura or cherry blossom season.

Mitsuru Wakabayashi (@mitsuru_wakabayashi)

Cherry blossoms are the first flowers to bloom on dead trees after the long winter. When the cherry blossoms bloom, they signal the arrival of spring and welcome the warm season. It is refreshing to see the cherry blossoms blooming under the blue sky.

I really like the cherry blossoms in my hometown Kyoto. I love the cherry blossoms that bloom along the Kamo River that runs through the center of Kyoto, and the cherry blossoms that bloom at the many temples and shrines in Kyoto. My favorite places are the cherry blossoms that blend into the city of Kyoto.

Wataru Sato (@locowataru5)

Sakura are one of the flowers that make us feel the arrival of spring, and the fact that we can only see them for about two weeks makes them special because they are fleeting and remind us of what is important. I think we can share the feeling. Even if it's not everything I saw, but just a part of it using the tool of photography, I think I can share the feeling. The cherry blossoms in Kyoto are very quaint. I especially like this place. Sakura are a part of Kyoto's life.