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Embraced by Deep Green and Silence
「深い緑と静寂に包まれて」
(Fukai Midori to Seijaku ni Tsutsumarete)
- Location: Chino, Nagano Prefecture, Japan
- Timestamp: 06:03・2024/09/11
- Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP
- 73 mm ISO 100 for 0.4 sec. at ƒ/9.0
Nestled in the woodlands near the rural town of Chino in Nagano Prefecture, Japan, Mishaka-Ike Pond rewards early visitors with a mesmerizing scene. Arrive before sunrise, and you might witness the pond's surface transform into a flawless mirror, reflecting the surrounding trees in breathtaking clarity—provided the air is calm, undisturbed by wind or ripples.
Located approximately 197 km (122 mi) northwest of Tokyo, the pond is a 2- to 3-hour drive from central Tokyo via the Chuo Expressway, depending on traffic. My journey took about 3 hours, as I made several stops to let my border collie stretch her legs and avoid getting too carsick.
Though it appears as a natural gem, Mishaka-Ike is actually a small reservoir, originally constructed for local agriculture. At an elevation of 1,500 meters (around 4,900 feet), it gained wider recognition for inspiring the famous painting “Midori Hibiku” (緑響く), or "Green Echo,” created by the celebrated artist Kaii Higashiyama in 1982.
In Higashiyama's painting, a white horse strides along the shoreline, moving from right to left, framed by the serene reflections of the forest. The cool tones and tranquil atmosphere he captured are remarkably similar to the scene that greeted me as I stood by the pond that morning. I imagine Higashiyama himself must have observed the pond during a similar summer morning in the blue hour to capture the soft, ethereal colors in his work.
You can view a small image of Higashiyama's painting, along with more from his collection, by visiting the Nagano Prefectural Art Museum's website (linked below).
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