Yesterday the first warm gale of spring, haru ichiban, blew through Japan. Although it didn’t reach Tokyo, it was pretty windy here and today’s weather feels like spring has arrived for sure. The warmth is a welcome change from days we’ve been shivering through lately.

This morning I opened all the windows to air out the apartment and then gave the veranda a good washing. Afterwards, I burned some incense and enjoyed a cup of coffee to celebrate the sun.

It’s too early to replant the little garden off the living room, but I’m itching to do it. I’ll settle for planning instead. This year I will make it a true kitchen garden—lots of herbs, as usual, but some vegetables, too: lettuces, peppers, beans. Maybe some berries. I don’t believe I have enough room for melons, eggplants or cucumbers, but I can probably squeeze in some tomatoes. I wonder if there’s a Japan equivalent to Seeds of Change?