the day is short
as is the life
of the dragonfly
日短かは蜻蛉の身にも有にけり
-小林一茶, 1806.
Tr. David G. Lanoue.

The neighbourhood has been filled with dragonflies (トンボ 'Tonbo') this morning, many disturbed by the gardeners at work now rainy season is drawing to a close.

Japan was once known as Akitsushima (秋津島 the 'Dragonfly Islands').
The 1st emperor, Jimmu Tenno (神武天皇), climbed a mountain in Yamato (大和), gazed down on the land & exclaimed, "The shape of my country is like two akitsu mating".
#Japan #Kyoto #dragonflies #秋津 #トンボ

One thing I am eager to try in the future are these pretty little wagashi from Tamachi Baigetsu (田町梅月) in Tsuboicho, Osaka.
The blue-tinged sweet is called 'Hint of Autumn' (秋の気配- Aki-no-Kehai), and the red 'Sunset Afterglow' (夕焼け空 Yuuyake-sora).
#Kyoto #Japan #和菓子

There are 172 species of dragonflies in Japan.
Used as symbols of both summer & autumn, the insects are frequently found in Japanese art.

Because they are associated with power, agility & victory, dragonfly motifs were often used by warriors and the ruling class.
#dragonflies