Sakura Boat

Tomoki Kikuchi, winner of the 2019 Bratislava International Biennial of Illustration Gold Medal and author of "Autumn Letter,"
welcomes the vibrant new spring
with a beautiful shower of cherry blossoms!


Spring has arrived, spring has arrived!
Cherry blossoms fall from the trees, drifting down the river.
A little ladybug sees them and decides to ride a cherry blossom boat,
to deliver the good news to everyone in the mountains.

The elderberry bushes, like cheerleaders,
vigorously wave their pom-poms.
"Cherry blossom boat, wishing you a safe journey!"

The friendly bee happily wags its tail.
"Me too! I want to ride the cherry blossom boat too!"

The flowers sway in the breeze, bidding farewell to the cherry blossom boat,
birds chirp greetings,
and the fawns joyfully leap up and down...

Spring has arrived, spring has arrived!
Everyone sees off the cherry blossom boat,
celebrating the arrival of the god of spring!


Following "Autumn Letter,"
Tomoki Kikuchi once again captures the stunning characteristics of the season with beautiful ink wash images.
Let's marvel at the beauty of spring together amidst the pink cherry blossom shower,
and welcome the start of a new year!