August 13, 2026 — 5:45 AM
Tokyo, Japan

It is 5:45 in the morning.

The sky is cloudy, but it is not raining.

When I listen carefully, I can hear the sound of bell crickets outside.

Summer is still here, but their voices make me feel that autumn is slowly getting closer.

This morning, I am once again looking at my two bonsai:

Asahiyama Sakura and Serissa.

Yesterday, because of the strong rain and wind from the typhoon, I moved both bonsai from the balcony into the house for safety.

I also gave them some water.

Their branches and moss balls still look weak, and I don’t know what will happen to them from here.

But today, I look at them again.

Today’s Zen phrase is:

百尺竿頭進一歩 — Hyakushaku Kantō Ippo o Susumu

It can be understood as:

Even when you have reached the top, take one more step beyond.

Yesterday, I protected my bonsai from the storm.

I gave them water.

But that was not the end.

Today, I can look at them again.

Look at the branches.

Look at the moss.

See whether anything has changed since yesterday.

I don’t need to make a big move.

Maybe one small thing I can do today is enough.

That can also be one more step.

Outside, the bell crickets continue to sing.

Summer does not suddenly become autumn overnight.

The seasons move forward little by little.

Perhaps caring for bonsai is similar.

From yesterday to today.

From today to tomorrow.

Hyakushaku Kantō Ippo o Susumu.

Reaching this point does not mean the journey is over.

From here, take one more step.

This morning, as I watch my two small bonsai, I also listen to the subtle change of the seasons.

5:45 AM in Tokyo.

A new day begins with the sound of bell crickets and the feeling that autumn is getting a little closer. 🌿