When most people think of Japan, they think of Cherry Blossoms (sakura), but there are many others.

In early to midsummer, a popular one is this one...

In fairness, it's not only a Japan thing. Much of Asia loves the Lotus. They feature heavily in many of my religious myths of the area due to their ability to appear perfectly clean even though they often grow in dirty water.

You will find them everywhere in Japan, especially near shrines and temples.

In Okazaki, there is a famous shrine to the war god Hachiman where many hundreds of lotus blossoms go. This shrine is also famous for hosting Ieyasu's army at one point. It is said he enjoyed the lotus blossoms with his men.

世の中よ針だらけでも蓮の花
yo no naka yo hari darake demo hasu no hana

this world
is full of needles and thorns ...
yet lotus blooms
—Issa

	David LaSpina is an American photographer and translator lost in Japan, trying to capture the beauty of this country one photo at a time and searching for the perfect haiku.