The United Nations designated June 5 as World Environment Day and encourages awareness and action for the protection of the environment. It is said that, although it was not much on the news, this day is an opportunity for individuals, businesses, and communities to deepen their understanding and take responsible action to protect our environment. Especially, this year it was called for collective action to tackle worldwide microplastic pollution.
The common walnut (Juglans regia) trees have borne fruit in the riverbank of the Kamanashi River in the city of Nirasaki in Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan.
An exhibition of The Beauty of the Imperial Household in Connection with Yamanashi: The Masterpieces of the Museum of the Imperial Collections, Sannomaru Shozokan has been held at the Yamanashi Prefectural Museum of Art in the city of Kofu, Yamanashi, Japan from April 26 through June 1, 2025. https://shozokan.nich.go.jp/en/; https://www.art-museum.pref.yamanashi.jp/. The Museum of the Imperial Collections, Sannomaru Shozokan is temporarily closed from May 7, 2025 to expand its facilities.
Chinese Lions Regal presence of roaring lions, the originals were drawn by Kano Eitoku and Kano Tsunenobu and owned by The Museum of the Imperial Collections, Sannomaru Shozokan, https://tsumugu.yomiuri.co.jp/en/gallery/
The right screen by Kano Eitoku, Momoyama period, 16th century and the left screen by Kano Tsunenobu, Edo period, 17th century, Image courtesy of Canon, Yamanashi Prefectural Museum of Art, Kofu, Yamanashi, 5/29/2025
In the garden of the Yamanashi Prefectural Museum of Art:
The Big Apple No. 45 by Masaaki Sato, Yamanashi Prefectural Museum of Art, Kofu, Yamanashi, 5/29/2025
Calystegia pubescens, commonly known as Japanese bindweed, is a species of bindweed (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calystegia_pubescens). This species is a weedy wildflower distributed in Japan, South Korea, and countries in south-eastern Asia. Bindweed or false bindweed (Calystegia) resembles morning glory (Ipomoea nil). Both are climbing plants. Yet, there are different characteristics. Ipomoea nil is the annual with different leaf shapes and has a typical tap-root system of dicotyledons while Calystegia pubescens is the perennial with specific leaf shapes and has an extensive root system of both vertical and lateral roots, including rhizomes (underground stems) and its seeds remain dormant in the soil for many years making it difficult to eradicate.
Gekkasosha is a bed and breakfast located in the town of Kobuchisawa in the city of Hokuto in Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan. (In Japanese) https://gekkasosha.net/. The owner also organizes salon concerts. There was a baroque concert one afternoon by Duo Rutin. The B&B has a nice garden. Here are some plants growing there.
Duo Rutin is composed of Asakura Mikira (Flauto traverso) and Kimura Fumi (Virginal). The next Duo Rutin concert is scheduled at a Cafe Kumakarado in Nakano, Tokyo on June 8th, 2025.
