A tragic avalanche struck Tamagawa Onsen in Akita Prefecture—a famous healing hot spring where three people in a rock-bed bath died in heavy snow.
Nearby Mount Akita-Komagatake is rich in beautiful alpine plants. From mid-June, delicate flowers emerge from melting snow—Miyama gentian, noriutsugi, Japanese monkshood, autumn kirinsou, and more. Miyama azumagiku (photo) blooming bravely on scree high on the mountain is especially moving.
Snow continues to fall. Spring feels far; one can hardly imagine all the flowers in bloom. Earthquake and heavy snow—the north country weeps.
When snow stops and spring comes, may the flowers bloom and comfort the spirits of those lost.