As autumn deepens, the university campus transforms into a vibrant canvas of yellow foliage. The changing hues of the sky, the crisp breeze, and the blanket of fallen leaves underfoot—all these mark the charm of having four distinct seasons. But amidst this beauty, I found myself wondering: do we truly appreciate the seasonal changes we often take for granted?
This thought came to me after hearing a story from a friend living in Hong Kong. She traveled all the way to Japan just to see the autumn leaves. Taking precious time off work and hopping on a plane, she embarked on a journey to witness the breathtaking fall colors. She visited multiple locations, marveling at the differences in landscapes, and even took time to enjoy hot springs during her trip.
In contrast, I realized I’ve never once thought about “going to see the autumn leaves.” To me, they’ve always been a part of my surroundings—ordinary, predictable, even bothersome at times. When leaves fall, they leave behind the chore of cleaning them up. Gingko trees, while beautiful, often emit an unpleasant odor from their fruit, adding to the seasonal inconveniences. But hearing my friend’s enthusiasm, I had an epiphany: what we see as is, for someone else, extraordinary.
In countries like Korea and Japan, where the four seasons are distinct, we experience a continuous cycle of renewal. We pack away heavy coats in spring, savor the sound of cicadas in summer, admire the changing foliage in autumn, and watch snow blanket the streets in winter. Yet, for people from places without these transitions, these moments seem like scenes from a fairy tale. They go out of their way to witness these changes, dedicating their resources to experience the beauty we sometimes overlook.
The problem lies in how we perceive these gifts of nature. The vivid hues of autumn leaves may be reduced to just fallen debris, and winter’s pristine snow might be viewed merely as a hassle to shovel away. We often forget that our everyday scenery can be a source of envy and wonder for others.
This autumn, I was reminded of the importance of gratitude. The vibrant foliage, the falling leaves, and even the changing weather are not just a given—they are blessings. They are moments to pause, reflect, and marvel at the world we live in.
If you haven’t planned a trip to see the autumn leaves, take a moment to look around you. Notice the colors of the trees, the crunch of leaves underfoot, and the crisp air. These scenes, so familiar to us, are the dreams of others. And as we recognize this, let’s hold onto a renewed sense of gratitude for the unique beauty that surrounds us every day.
Wonsuh Song (Ph.D.)
Shumei University / Waseda University lecturer
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