Jeepney Press November-December 2022 / Neriza Saito

Neriza Sarmiento - Saito's On the Road to THE TRUE COLORS OF CHRISTMAS

When the “Beaver Moon” made a grand appearance in the sky on Nov. 8th, I was one of those awed by this phenomenon that happened after 472 years. Its mystifying effect was in perfect timing with the best-loved season in Japan, Autumn. As the moonbeams smile on the Momoji (maple trees), it adds a touch of regality and serenity to the air.

Viewing the autumn foliage is another tradition of the Japanese given as much importance as Cherry Blossoms Viewing in Spring. I am much obliged indeed to the head of our department and his wife, Makoto and Naomi Imashioya, for inviting me to join them on an exhilarating Hozugawa boat ride in Kyoto that reminded me of “Shooting the Rapids“ in Pagsanjan. The only difference was that were multiple thrills along the way as the skilled boatmen negotiated through the narrow rock formations, the reactions were subdued compared to the gasps and shrieks of tourists in the Philippines or elsewhere. This famous tourist attraction, the Hozugawa was described in Natsumi Soseki’s “Gubijinso” in 1991. It was also visited by many foreign dignitaries, like the Prince of Wales in 1992.

What caught my fancy was a small Ginkgo tree (Maidentree ) or Ichio. Its origin is in China which dates back 270 million years ago. A living fossil with a strong defense mechanism is called “Yinguo” in Mandarin and Ngan-Gwo in Cantonese. Engelbert Kaempfer misspelled it in his book as Ginkgo instead of Ginkyo, so it was never corrected. The fruit is called gin nan and the seed is cooked for chawan mushi.

Due to the atomic bombing in Hiroshima, six varieties of this tree were called the Hibakujumoku, meaning “trees that survived the blast.“ We sat on the tatami mats of the Tenryu-ji Temple, (Temple of the Heavenly Dragon) as we savor the view of the beautiful Arashi Mountain from the Sogenchi Garden, a World Cultural Heritage Site. I saw more Ginkyo trees and their yellow color was enough to brighten up our spirits. Its symbol of resiliency inspired Mr. Ikko Tanaka to design the logo of Osaka University in 1991 in the shape of the ginkgo leaf to commemorate its 60th anniversary.

We ended our day with a ride on the Torokko passing by the same Hozugawa Kudari and as I saw that Christmas tree-shaped Ginkgo tree again, I thought of Christmas in a much different color, tone, and perspective.

Maligayang Pasko at Masaganang Bagong Taon sa lahat ng mambabasa ng Jeepney Press!

(photo credits to Mr. and Mrs. Makoto and Naomi Imashioya, Owie Sarmiento, and Joey Manalang)

Neriza Sarmiento - Saito

Jeepney Press