I can easily be distracted by visual displays of color and pattern. I relate to infants watching a mobile; their eyes are bright with excitement and their chubby little legs kick with glee. If I were a bird, I’d be right after the mate with the most colorful and hypnotic plumage.
So I guess I was ready made for Japan. On my first visit there I was immediately attracted to…..almost everything. So much eye candy (for lack of a better description). I was fascinated by it all. Pity anyone who was with me. They were required to move VERY s l o w l y, so as to savor and attempt to consume it all as I pointed out each thing that caught my eye, foolishly hoping my companion would get the same jolt I did. I clearly did not trust their own abilities.
eye can·dy
/ī ˈkandē/
noun
INFORMAL
visual images that are superficially attractive and entertaining but intellectually undemanding.
“the film’s success rested on a promotional campaign showcasing its relentless eye candy”
California super bloom 2019
In our culture, the term eye candy seems mostly used to define a buxom, brainless young woman. For me, it means something visual that I can take pleasure from.
Think of the current superbloom of wildflowers in California. Possibly, a once in a lifetime treat. If this isn’t eye candy, what is?? Add to these floral enticements the staggering beauty and gasp- inducing wonder of a mature Japanese cherry tree in blossom, probably made more magical by its ephemeral nature. Certainly more bittersweet.
Japanese cherry blossom in Kyoto, Maruyama Park, night illumination. This tree brought me to tears the first time I saw it.
Japanese munchkins, vintage photo. irresistible. They’ve cornered the cuteness market.
Hot weather matcha sundae. Irresistible layers of flavors and textures and coolness. ( I eat it all.)
contemporary patterns in Japanese umbrellas. Raised to an art form. Rainy season wonders.
more sakura
Seasonal Japanese postcards. Glorious.
matcha latté
Sakura in Rokkokuji Temple. A neighborhood wonder.
New chocolate shop in my neighborhood. Note seasonal designs. Help yourself.
Japanese ceramic vessels. Be still my heart.
The diversity, power and beauty of Japanese ceramics and its long tradition make this art form one to be savored.
spring ikebana arrangement
someone loves frogs. Display in coffee shop.
Autumn in Sanzen-in garden.
seen in arcade. The power in numbers!
Child’s drawing in Miyajima.
sake container
Tower of fresh peasClouds!!!
In the course of writing this blog, I realize that most of what I consider eye candy in the West, is found in nature. In Japan, it can be man-made and intentional as well as natural. The Japanese seem to have an innate artistic sensibility that can raise my heartbeat. What is the magic formula that allows this ability?
I have thousands of photos of things that inspire me when I’m in Japan. I’ve shared just a small slice of them to give you a sense of my encounters! I imagine on an Eye Candy Sensitivity Chart, I might be off the chart. Don’t know. What is clear is that these visual delights bring me great pleasure.
Sometimes, I wonder how many more years I’ll be able to make this trek. Unknowable. But, for now, I’m gearing up for another round, leaving this world on May 1!
