Tessen

Tessen (Clematis florida) literally means steel wire for its steel-like vines. Also kazaguruma (wind wheels) for its shape. The flowers are in fact sepals, not petals. They are believed to have transported from China in Edo period and favoured as an ornamental plant featured in many Ukiyoe prints, screens and wall paintings.

Sakura

Sakura saku (cherry blossoms are in bloom) was a typical telegraph message used to give a good news, mostly a success in being accepted to a university (Sakura chiru- blossoms are falling- is the contrary message). The telegraph message is hardly used today, but sakura is still a symbol of good fortune and happiness as they announce the arrival of the spring with joyful colour, gentle perfume in warm breeze and happy songs of the birds. The blossoming of sakura symbolises a new beginning in many ways, as the school year, financial year and new employments start on 1 April. So with this sakura blossom, I wish you all "Sakura saku"