July 23rd – July 27th, 2026 is Summer – Start of TAISHO (Greater heat)-34th KOU “KIRI (paulownia) trees produce buds.”
The rainy season ended on the 21st, and according to the calendar, we have entered the TAISHO period.
The paulownia tree I always pass on my walk doesn’t seem to be bearing any buds. Usually, at this time of year, it would be covered in brown, bell-like clusters of buds. Although it looks a bit aged, the way it stands majestically in the middle of the field reveals that it is still full of vitality.
It is surprising where paulownia trees sometimes grow – places like the corner of a house, a gap in a hedge, or the edge of an asphalt parking lot. You find yourself wondering why they chose such cramped spots.
By the way, crows have a habit of hiding things they have picked up, such as walnuts. However, it is said that they often quickly forget where they hid them. This got me wondering: suppose there was a rather slopy crow. What would happen if it mistook a paulownia fruit for a walnut, carried it off, hid it in an inconspicuous spot, and then completely forgot about it?
I happened to see two crows. Behind them, the familiar, large paulownia tree, with a walnut tree right next to it.
2026/07/25