In Japan, the seasons affect many aspects of life. To me — someone from abroad — it's very ①interesting.
Near the station I often go to, there is a famous wagashi (Japanese cake) shop. One cold day in February, I tried to stop by and saw many beautiful namagashi (note 1) displays in all shapes and colors. The price is expensive, but because I just received part-time money, I decided to buy the cutest one to bring home. I chose a cake called 「寒椿」(cold season camellia) — a cake that imitated the red camellia I used to see in the park. It was so beautiful that I wanted to leave it on the table as a decoration, and it also tasted amazing, I was really moved. From then on I couldn't forget「寒椿」. But I decided to hold off until I get paid for my next overtime job. Being able to enjoy that lovely cake shape and flavor once a month is enough to make me happy.
Then, my extra money for March arrived, I eagerly walked into that wagashi shop. But ②the red flower was nowhere to be seen. When I asked the seller, I was surprised: 「寒椿」is a winter cake, so they don't sell it in spring. If you want to enjoy「寒椿」again, you have to wait a year.
I was really disappointed, but then realized there was a pink cake named 「桜」. I bought「桜」to take home. This cake is also very beautiful and delicious. Ah, so it's spring already. And it's true, the sakura flowers in the park are about to bloom. At that time, I felt like I understood a little ③how Japanese people enjoy the seasons.