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　I wonder if the cherry blossoms have already bloomed…。

　I got on the subway because I couldn't help.

　On the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line, climbed the long stairs at Tsukiji Station, and a dazzling sun and a soft breeze shook on my cheeks. I can tell you that the season has changed.

　At that time, there was no yellow fallen leaves, white breaths and palms, no longer swaying on the sidewalk. Apparently, the time seems to have passed. Chuo-ku within me had been completely stopped since that day.

　If you go straight along St. Luke Street, you will see two skyscrapers looking into the Sumida River. It's St. Luke's Garden. There is a Shinsui-Koen Park on the second floor, where you can go to Akashicho Riverside Park. I passed through the old Akatsuki Bridge, the cross of the St. Luke Chapel, the monument of the birthplace of the girls' school, and the monument of the beginning of Dutch studies, while suppressing my feelings.

　The cherry blossoms at Akashicho Riverside Park were in full bloom.

　It is crowded with many people. All loosened his steps and looked at the light red petals. A white fluffy dog is coming. The children's laughter, the business person with coffee, and the expression of the person on the road are also mild.

　I am relieved to see the cherry blossoms here again this year.

　When I went down the stairs and walked along the Sumida River terrace, my heart was full.

　I'm glad, happy, and happy…。

　I'm walking with a smile on my own, but I'm sure I'm going to be eerie, but I can't feel this feeling.

　And I wish I had a yellow little bird here…And I felt a little lonely.

 　I left this town without saying hello to the yellow little bird. A few weeks before my move was decided, Kotori didn't come to my room when he had tea together and talked about the monument to the ruins of the United States Mission. Originally, it was a little bird who came all the time and suddenly disappeared.…。

　But somewhere in my heart, I thought it was nice that the yellow little bird would not come. I didn't want to say goodbye, and I didn't have to say it as much as I did. Because there was a place where I did not believe goodbye with this town. Even if I left here, I knew that my feelings were here all the time.

　The sun is dancing brightly on the surface of the water.

　I stopped and looked at the Tsukuda-ohashi Bridge, the red torii gate on the opposite bank, and the row of cherry blossom trees in River City 21, a group of high-rise apartments.

　I think it's clear now. I shouldn't be here, but I'm here. I should have gone here now, but I'm here as usual.

　I don't feel like nostalgia or reviving memories, but I feel like I'm here as if it were natural.

　Maybe now I'm not seen by anyone.

　And suddenly a yellow thing stopped on the protective fence in front of her eyes.

　For a moment, they stared at each other without words.

"A little bird!"

　It was, of course, a yellow little bird.

　I was surprised all over my face, and in the next moment I was laughing all over my face.

　The yellow little bird opened his eyes open, his feathers shrank, and his neck stretched so much. And he asked me a question as soon as possible.

"Where did you come from? What are you doing?"

　I, with a full smile, shouted tears with it, and just stared at the yellow little bird.

　Both of these questions were, to speak, the yellow little bird, a question that shouldn't be given to the little bird. For the first time the yellow little bird came to my room, I asked the same question.

　And the little bird said.

　Do you know that you shouldn't listen to the birds?

　So, I didn't know where the yellow little bird lives, whether it's a domestic bird somewhere, or a traveling bird, and for many years, I've been looking at the town of Chuo-ku together.

　When the yellow little bird asked me the same question, they could laugh at each other or cry, and eventually the yellow little bird flew to my shoulder as if she had been numb.

"Ohisa,"

"I wanted to see you!"

　At last, I told the yellow little bird, and rubbed my cheeks on the yellow feathers.

"Okay,"

　Said the yellow little bird.

　The yellow little bird knew from the beginning. I will always come back here. If you look here, you will be shy late, and one day you will find me walking.

"After all, I was there,"

　And the yellow little bird said that he was proud of it.

"Eh?"

　I look strangely at the yellow little bird on my shoulder.

　The yellow little bird, glanced at me,

"I thought I was at all."

　He said.

　However, I felt that it included not only the pride that the little bird, who hates to lose, had won his own bet, but also more gentle.

　For the little yellow little bird seemed to be a little louder.

　However, the yellow little bird is

"The pollen is amazing,"

"Oh?…」

"I'm terrible hay fever,"

　I say it.

"Kotori-chan…」

"fufufufufu…"Welcome back,"

　When we met face, we laughed strangely.

"It bloomed again this year.…」

　I and the yellow little bird walk together for the first time in a long time, and look up a large cherry tree at the base of Tsukuda-ohashi Bridge.

　Flowering was slow this year.

　In addition, the cherry blossoms at the base of Tsukuda-ohashi Bridge have not been well since last year, and the branches have been thinner. I was worried that it would bloom again this year, but it seems to have bloomed properly. There is a pruned branch at the tip of the branch, from which a new branch emerges and blooms like a bonbon.

　At the foot of the tree, there is a historic site of the site of the Tsukuda Island Ferry Terminal.

　Until the Tsukuda-ohashi Bridge was built in the summer of 1964, there was Tsukuda's handover for 320 years since the Edo period. After entering the Showa era, it became a steam steamship, and it was crowded with people working at the Ishikawajima Shipyard on the opposite bank, and people going to Tsukiji Market from Tsukuda side, and was nicknamed the Pompon ship.

"I wonder if this cherry tree has been staring at the transition of such an era.…」

　I suddenly think of it. Just after that,

"But in fact, it may have been planted long later. For example, it may be when Tsukuda-ohashi Bridge was built, or rather long after that.…」

　And I feel a little weak about this matter because I have not yet been backed up.

　I've been looking for some old photographs to see if the cherry trees were reflected. However, there was no decisive factor in any picture.

　And said the yellow little bird.

"It's not important to ask for the right answer. This cherry tree is not much more fun to think about Tsukuda's passing, the scene where Tsukuda-ohashi Bridge can be built, and the transition of towns and people. "

"Yes,"

　And I'm smiling.

"Imaginating and envisioning are the best gifts left for us today. There's a lot of such Takara things in this town. That's what I like!"

"Forecast…I could say it."

　And the yellow little bird.

"It might be, or not. If so, it might have been, but maybe it wasn't.…」

　Such a feeling…。

"History is a big deal, but if you use more familiar words, it's a memory."

"It's all about me. This town also has as many memories as we do. And this cherry tree…」

"Yes,…」

　I and the yellow little bird gently looked up at the dazzling sun from the cherry tree at the base of Tsukuda-ohashi Bridge.

　Crossing Tsukuda-ohashi Bridge.

　In Chuo-ku, where flower-shaped bridges are lined up, Tsukuda-ohashi Bridge is not very noticeable due to its simple design, but in fact, it is the best bridge that shines the number one in spring. The view of the cherry blossoms is the best! That's right.

"After all, the view from Tsukuda-ohashi Bridge is the best!"

"Oh, indeed!"

　I and the yellow little bird are always cheering on Tsukuda-ohashi Bridge. The closest and most favorite bridge. I can't do it every day now, but my feelings don't change.

　Looking back on the stairs from the Minato side, once you look back, the cherry blossom trees at the base and the glittering Sumida River, along with the beautiful row of cherry blossom trees at Tsukuda River City 21 spread to full view.

　As you start walking, the row of cherry blossom trees at Akashicho Riverside Park on the downstream side illuminates the base of St. Luka Garden, and cherry blossoms along the river overflow on the Tsukishima side.

　At that time, it smelled like the tide.

"The smell of Minato…」

　I muttered.　

　I closed my eyes and smelled the wind, feeling the warmth of the sun on my cheeks.

"The scent of the tide heated by the sun,"

　The yellow little bird is also feeling the wind with his eyes closed.

　I am full of heart

"The smell of Minato."

　I said it again. This time, laughing happily.

"It's strange. It's so far from the sea…」

　Compared to hundreds of years ago when this area was called Edo Minato, the landfill of Tokyo Bay has progressed steadily, and it is no longer possible to find the image that this was the gateway to the sea.

　Nevertheless, street names such as Minato, Irifune, and Hatchobori sometimes deliver the scent of the tide like this, as tells us that there was once a sea here.

　Several gulls flew over our head. As he followed his eyes, he stopped on a combination of triangles and squares of observatory, standing on the ruins of the Sacred Island Strategies.

"They will remain here a little longer,"

　Said the yellow little bird, looking at the gulls.

　I am

"Yes?…」

　That's right.

"But if it gets a little warmer, I'll come out."

"Yeah. I wish the next south wind blows."

"The rest, the one who goes, and the one who comes…」

　I'll say vaguely in a voice.

　The yellow little bird picked up his ears without saying anything, and then cried.

"Spring…」

"Yes, it's spring.…」

　When you go down to Tsukuda, you will meet the cherry blossoms along the moat.

"First of all, I have to say hello to my grandfather Magoemon Mori."

　I said, the yellow little bird smiled satisfactorily.

　A little bird respects such things. Such a feeling is courtesy, manners, respect for the city and the atmosphere there.

　A shrine with dragon sculptures on wood nose and Nakabi. It is always clean, and Japanese lantern is hung inside the company. I and the yellow little bird ring the bell and put their hands together.

　Magoemon Mori and fishermen descended to Edo from Tsukuda-mura, Nishinari-gun, Settsu-kuni, on the edge of Ieyasu Tokugawa, and served to offer white fish. The Nihonbashi Fish Market, which built the Ishizue of Tsukuda Island and was a kitchen for people in the city for 300 years during the Edo period, was created by Magoemon Mori.

　Looking into the moat, there is Mori Inari Shrine.

"It seems that there was Magoemon Mori's mansion in this place."

　In the small picture frame, the history of Tsukuda Island and the history of Mori Inari Shrine are described.

　A pigeon swayed his neck.

　In fact, in the years I lived in Chuo-ku, I was able to distinguish pigeons. However, it is limited to gunshot children's park, Tsukuda moat, Akashicho riverbank park, and pigeons based on Sumida River Terrace.

　Each has its own characteristics, such as the color of feathers, the structure of the face, the gesture, behavior, and personality.

"Everyone stays here all the time,"

　I say he was relieved to see the pigeons.

"I like this town,"

"Yes,"

　And the yellow little bird says.

`It's best to be in your favorite place,'

　I say so.

　Then the yellow little bird silently says.

"Yes,…」

　For a while, we stood by the cherry tree, and looked at the spring sun shining in the moat.

　And there was an unfamiliar brownish bird.

"Dharma fell!"

　I am interested, and say so. Indeed, if you walk a little bit, you will stop at once and wander your body.

"dusky thrush,"

　Said the yellow little bird.

"I'm going to leave now, I'm saying so."

"Why? If you like this town, you should stay forever."

　And I will say that it is swollen. As if I were telling you.

"You have to go. There are times when birds have to go."

　Yes, the yellow little bird said.

"Do you come back?"

　I would like to ask the yellow little bird in my heart.

　The little bird nodded a little.

"Yeah. Once again, time comes…」

"Yes,…」

　I nodded with peace of mind.

"Would you like to go to Chuo-ohashi Bridge?"

　The yellow little bird turns his eyes round and asks me.

　I shook my head with a little thought. It's just right there.

　Yet,

"I'm sure it's pretty,"

　I'm sorry.

　From Chuo-ohashi Bridge, you can see the cherry blossoms of Shinkawa along the super embankment of Shinkawa, the row of cherry blossom trees at Tsukuda River City 21, and the cherry blossoms at Ishikawajima Park.

　But this year, I just think about the scenery.

　I just met the yellow little bird today, met Akashicho Riverside Park and the cherry blossoms at the base of Tsukuda-ohashi Bridge, and felt that it was meaningful to Jibun. I wanted to take care of this feeling gently.

"I have to go home now…」

　I say that I don't want to say such a thing.

　The yellow little bird turned gently over my shoulder.

"Where are you?"

　Then you can have a serious look on purpose.

　I'm crazy about such a yellow little bird, but I don't like it. Just think about it.

"Hey, Kotori-chan,"

　I say it.

"I miss this town and wonder if the cherry blossoms have bloomed again this year, do you know that people who are happy and crying to meet the yellow little bird?"

　The yellow little bird stared at me, and winked with his nose.

　I laugh at it.

"I feel like I now understand Kotori's feelings."

　The yellow little bird glanced on my shoulder, with his wings folded neatly.

"Mr. Kotori, when you first came to my room, didn't you? Where did you come from? What are you doing? Don't ask me."

　The yellow little bird is silent.

　As I smiled,

"Because I am now,"

　He said.

"Where did you come from? What are you doing? I don't want to hear either of them."

　The yellow little bird gently picks up his ears.

"I once again knew that the everyday scenery and things that this town gave me had such a meaning in me. My friend was made in this town.…。

　Everyone has seen the changes in the seasons, and the town is changing little by little. The town looked different every day. While walking along the same road, there was a new discovery. I have memories in every part of this town."

　I said so far, and shrank my shoulders.

"I know…」

　And the yellow little bird.

　I suddenly raise my face.

　The yellow little bird had quiet eyes to think about something.

"Perhaps, when I think of a place or someone, I'm sure people are in that place and meet you. Even if you are not really in the place, or you can't really meet."

　I look at the clear profile of such a yellow little bird.

"I'm sorry, goodbye, I leave this town without saying."

　I say.

"I was surprised to see the room being empty?"

　But the yellow little bird is

"The red box containing gold flat sugar that I bought when I went to Nihonbashi Takashimaya together. Oh, you came to the buffer material and put it into cardboard, didn't you? I really have good things."

　I say it.

"Eh…。 Did you see Kotori?"

　The yellow little bird laughed strangely. And then

"I am, so,"

　He said.

"I didn't want to say goodbye to you. And I knew that there was no need to say."

"Kotori-chan…」

　The yellow little bird, as if he knew everything from the beginning.…。

　And then a swallow flew away.

"Oh, it's a swallow!"

"I'm back, this year too…」

　The Swallow was flying over us all the time, like a circle.

"I didn't forget this town,"…」

　I and the yellow little bird were happy and looked up all the time.

　Hey, that's the case.…？

　I ask in my heart the same question as that time.

　Where did the yellow little bird come from?

　What are you doing?

　Do you know that you shouldn't listen to the birds?

　I'm sure she says. As if you were shy.

　But I can say it to me now.

　It's no matter where you come from.

　What are you doing?

　The answer is sure to be the same as the yellow little bird and I.

　Because I like this town…。

　That's the only one, real answer.

　Continue

♪Reference "Chuo-ku Monoshiri Encyclopedia" Chuo-ku Tourism Association

Correspondent Minato kid, Chuo-ku Tourism Association
No. 226 April 25, 2024