At the London Olympics, much was expected of Japan's women's soccer team Nadeshiko Japan — but in the mixed woods of Ninomaru in the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace just before Palaceside Building, one of the seven autumn flowers, nadeshiko (pink), blooms bravely in the heat with delicate pink blossoms. Popular in gardening and familiar to many, it is not rare — yet seeing it wild adds a little joy.
What blooms in the East Gardens is officially kawaranadeshiko, also called yamatonadeshiko or simply nadeshiko. Long blooming from summer into autumn, it was once called tokonatsu (ever-summer). The name nadeshiko is said to come from flowers as dear as stroking one's child. In English, "pink" can mean this flower.
It has been loved since ancient times. The Nihon Shoki says Kushinadahime bore the name nadeshiko. Her sisters were eaten one by one by Yamata no Orochi; as she was about to be devoured, Susanoo appeared, slew the serpent, and they wed. Sei Shonagon wrote in the Pillow Book that some things are better seen live than painted — nadeshiko, iris, cherry; and the faces of men and women praised in tales. Better to cheer in person than watch a recording — though that is not always easy.
On local time August 3, Nadeshiko Japan faced Brazil in the quarterfinals. Sei Shonagon would say live support beats video — if only it were that simple.