Kotaro Takamura (1883-1956), a pioneering Japanese modernist poet, sculptor and essayist, wrote a poem titled “Fuyu ga Kita” (Winter has come).

It opens with the line, “Winter has come decisively.” He continues, “The white flowers of yatsude (Fatsia japonica) have vanished/ And the ginkgo trees have turned into brooms.”

Many readers will recognize this brisk, unsentimental winter vignette. It appears in the same collection as his oft-quoted poem that begins with these signature lines: “Before me, there is no path/ Behind me, a path will be formed.”

Winter is indeed here. Jan. 20 marked the start of “Daikan” (greater cold), the 24th and final of the traditional 24 solar terms used in Japan. It is traditionally regarded........

© The Asahi Shimbun