Since the middle of May, there have been many summery days here all over Japan. One thing to enjoy at this time of year is all the seasonal flowers. I decided to revisit the Sukagawa Peony Garden, which I had visited once last year. This year I found myself going alone yet again... Last year I visited just after golden week, and unfortunately I was only able to see the early blooming flowers. This year however I was right one time, and the weather was perfect for viewing the garden. Have a look at all of the peonies in full bloom!   
  
  
Huh? Who would have thought the father of the legendary hero, Ultraman, planted peonies here.  
Known as the best peony garden in the east, it really was beautiful. Thinking about it, the peony is probably my favourite flower.
Of course one of the reasons is that it's so popular nationwide, people call it the national flower. There is also the fact that it is feature on the back of the 1 Yuan coin, which was always one of my favourites. (Forgetting exchange rates, it's used in a similar way to the Japanese 100 Yen coin.) I'll stop here before I digress anymore... In the Japanese language of flowers, the words for peony are 'magnificence' and 'nobleness'. The magnificent Fukushima, whose noble residents persist against the ever-present harmful rumours. I think both words fit Fukushima's image. I hope that a Fukushima even more beautiful than these flowers, continues to exist forvever. | 
