澄 sumu
The character sumu (澄) consists of two elements. The left side of the character represents water, and the right side expresses clearness. Together the two elements refer to the transparency and clearness of water, and the character has also come to represent the clear beauty of air, of sounds, and of people’s hearts.
In Japan, the air is generally clearest from autumn to winter. During this period, people in Tokyo, for example, can enjoy beautiful views of snow-capped Mount Fuji, about 100 kilometers (60 miles) from the center of the capital.
The winter night sky, full of twinkling stars, and the clear, crisp air covering broad landscapes—many blanketed in frost or snow—bring quiet peace to the heart.
How about visiting Japan to enjoy this sumu season?