White World and The Last Emperor

February is almost over. I hope you are all doing well.
The days are steadily getting longer, and I'm happy every day feeling the sunlight getting stronger and warmer.
It's been snowing for the past few days, so it's a snowy landscape, but it will soon melt in the sun.

On a snowy day, I went out to buy daily necessities by car. The country road, about 30 minutes one way, still hadn't seen a snowplow, and the snow continued to fall.
In the pure white world, my hands gripped the steering wheel, stiff with tension. I never get used to driving in the snow.

My high school son, who accompanied me, suggested some background music for the tense car ride.
First was YMO's RYDEEN. The "pico-pico" sound amidst the falling snow was innovative.
After that, it was the theme from "The Last Emperor."
Just as we reached a road in the forest. The surroundings were a snowy forest, the road was pure white, and everything was a monochrome landscape. Listening to "The Last Emperor" theme in that setting gave me goosebumps.
With my concentration at maximum output and all my nerves taut from driving in the snow, the magnificent music had a powerful effect.
The sight of the snow falling slowly and the music combined, leaving a very strong impression on me.
Unforgettable scenes occur unexpectedly.

Incidentally, getting goosebumps from listening to music is apparently due to the release of dopamine in the brain.

I realized that when I fully engage my five senses, unforgettable sights and memories accumulate through感動や喜び (inspiration and joy). However, this might also mean that I feel life's pains and sorrows more intensely.

Japan is now experiencing a beautiful spring. Time to fully engage the five senses.
Sight: The pale colors of cherry blossoms.
Hearing: The sneezes of people with hay fever.
Touch: The summer fur of a cat 🐈
Smell: The fragrance of plum blossoms.
Taste: Bamboo shoots with kinome (sansho leaf) dressing. Tsukudani of fukinoto (butterbur sprouts). Tempura of tara no me (angelica tree sprouts). Boiled nanohana (rapeseed blossoms). Freshly boiled asparagus. …🤤.
My spring five-senses list shows a significant obsession with taste.

I wish you all a healthy and beautiful spring!