72 Seasons

Shimmering heat rises from the ground's surface, and the earth is so hot that it burns even to take a breath. All people can do at this time of year is try to avoid the summer heat by eating cold things, taking cold baths, and sprinkling water on the ground. And yet, trees and plants grow ever greener, stretching out their limbs and unfurling their leaves as if to sing the praises of summer. In the fields and paddies, crops are enjoying the sun's bounty, and growing in preparation for the fall harvest.

©Utsukushii Kurashikata Institute