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Last Updated: April 1, 2024

GARDENING

“The fragrance always stays in the hand that gives the rose.”

(by Hada Bejar: 1640-1689-British Playwright Poet)

The below are some photographs of the Flower Bed in the front garden of our house. I like gardening as one of my pastimes. They are beautiful and most relaxing to watch. In addition, let us enjoy some magnificent views along the seashore.

This year, we had a series of very warm days in March, with some days reaching a maximum temperature of 24 degrees Celsius. Thanks to this, we were able to enjoy flowering quite early for this time of the year. In our garden, asparagus, muscari, tulips, daffodils, pansies, red camellias, geraniums and others bloomed. They are warm and relaxing to look at and talk to. I hope you like them.

< Photographed in March 2024>

<The above photos were taken by Fumie Kumagai>

In the past few years, signs of spring begin to appear in late February. Even our garden is overflowing with new flower buds and flowers heralding spring. To name a few, there are marbled camellias (霜降り椿), amaryllis（アマリリス）, miniature roses (ミニバラ), fragrant white daphne (沈丁花), snap peas with berries (スナップエンドウの実), and hina-dolls (雛人形) decorated inside the house, to name a few. They are all pretty and elegant.

< Photographed in February 2024>

<The above photos were taken by Fumie Kumagai>

Playing on the flute-2023 Fumie Kumagai played on the flute,
Johann Sebastian Bach ,
for Viola da Gamba and Harpsichord BWV 1029 (for 2 flutes and piano),
on September 10, 2023

On the 10th of September 2023 at the Fujisawa Labor Hall F-Hall, Fumie Kumagai challenged to perform flute ensemble for two flutes and piano, "The sonata for viola da gamba and harpsichord, BWV 1029" by J.S. Bach. The sonatas for viola da gamba and harpsichord, BWV 1027-1029, are three sonatas composed by Johann Sebastian Bach for viola da gamba and harpsichord. They probably date from the late 1730s and early 1740s. Of these three what I played this time is the Sonata No. 3 in G minor, BWV 1029 (1. Vivace, 2. Adagio, and 3. Allegro of #2 and #3). The musicologist Philipp Spitta has described this sonata as being "of the greatest beauty and most striking originality." The sonata begins with a theme by the viola da gamba, which is soon joined by the harpsichord. This is driven forward with lively figuration. The middle movement, in B♭ major, allows the parts to intertwine even more, ending with the allegro, which begins with repeated notes in the gamba part soon to be taken up by the lower harpsichord part Sonatas for viola da gamba and harpsichord (Bach) - Wikipedia . Fingering is not too hard to play, but baroque music is extremely difficult indeed. However, thanks to the assistance of both the flutist Mayumi Shibano, and the pianist Marina Koka I managed to perform alright especially under the mal-health condition of myself.

Click on the following for the video:
Trio Sonata for viola da gamba and harpsichord, BWV 1029 (J.S. Bach).

Photo and VIDEO were taken by Shonan Ongakuin

Flowers in bloom in our garden in December were very few. Only yellow and orange color pansies were found. Thus, to add colors to them home made Osechi dishes and an elegant New Year doll were added to the photo album of this month. Hope you like them.

< Photographed in December 2023>

<The above photos were taken by Fumie Kumagai>

November brought dry air and fine weather. The weather is pleasant for daily life, but for plants and flowers, they need a lot of water to maintain their lively colors. In the garden, pansies, reeves spirea (コデマリ), wild roses, pretty yellow flowers of Japanese silver leaves (つわぶき), Christmas cactus, and small chrysanthemums were in bloom.

< Photographed in November 2023>

<The above photos were taken by Fumie Kumagai>

The garden in October this year was not as colorful as before, perhaps because of the lingering hot and humid summer-like days. Yet, some things are pleasing to our eyes. White, red, and pink begonias, marigolds that have been cut back and regenerated, Reeves' meadowsweet (Kodemari), and pansies waiting their turn for the winter.

< Photographed in October 2023>

<The above photos were taken by Fumie Kumagai>

This September has been unusually hot. Fortunately, however, the garden is decorated with a variety of flowers. There are bellflowers, red roses, amaryllis, yellow hibiscus, cluster amaryllis (higanbana), bidens flowers, and others. Talking to these flowers is pleasant and relaxing.

< Photographed in September 2023>

<The above photos were taken by Fumie Kumagai>

This August was the hottest August on record. It is rare for roses to bloom during a hot summer. However, the garden in August had an unusually large number of roses in bloom, albeit small. They are pretty and elegant flowers that accent the garden.

< Photographed in August 2023>

<The above photos were taken by Fumie Kumagai>

This July has been extremely hot, but the flowers in the garden are blooming with color. They are hemerocallis, cannas, bellflowers, marigolds, grove begonias, large and sweet tomatoes, and more. These flowers give us the zest for life!

< Photographed in July 2023>

<The above photos were taken by Fumie Kumagai>

During the month of June, all different kinds of hydrangea bloomed in the garden, delighting our eyes. Some of them were mountain hydrangea (ヤマアジサイ), Kashiwaba Hydrangea（柏葉アジサイ), Hydrangea in Temari bloom (手毬咲き本アジサイ), Hydrangea macrophylla（ガクアジサイ), and annabelle（アナベル).

< Photographed in June 2023>

<The above photos were taken by Fumie Kumagai>

As the poem "May Flowers" suggests, the garden in May is filled with roses of all colors: pink, red, pearl, and yellow. They are elegant, beautiful, and truly dainty flowers.

< Photographed in May 2023>

<The above photos were taken by Fumie Kumagai>

With the coming of the spring flowers in the garden are in full bloom. Some of them taken for the blog of this month are lovely pink tulips, geraniums, pansies in full bloom for the last time, large-flowered Yamato hydrangeas from planting the cutting, purple orchids, and marigolds that will pleased us throughout the summer.

< Photographed in April 2023>

<The above photos were taken by Fumie Kumagai>

Thanks to having relatively warm March this year flowers usually blossom in April all came out. Thus, I am glad to post some of them in this blog. They are tulips, daffodils, red camellia, cherry blossoms (not in the garden though!), amaryllis (in the loft), and white camellia. They are colorful, pretty, elegant, and beautiful indeed.

< Photographed in March 2023>

<The above photos were taken by Fumie Kumagai>

Perhaps, as we have had relatively warm winter this year it is pleasant to see many more flowers in the garden than a year ago. Some of them are red and white roses, buds of tulips, Christmas roses, pansies, and Ohinasama doll displayed at Girls’ Festival that I usually decorate right after the setsubun, i.e., on the risshunn, the beginning of spring.

< Photographed in February 2023>

<The above photos were taken by Fumie Kumagai>

December flowers in the garden are not colorful than other months. To add colors and a taste of festivity photos uploaded are the Japanese doll of spring, Osechi from a wellknown restaurant in Kyoto, self-made goodies by Fumie, the beautiful Mt. Fuji against the sunset on the New Year, yellow pansies, and an elegant camellia japonica. Hope you enjoy them!

< Photographed in December 2022>

<The above photos were taken by Fumie Kumagai>

November this year has been relatively warm. As flowers for the garden of this month, I picked up Japanese silverleaf (tsuwabuki), Christmas cactus (shakoba saboten), pansy (which has grown so much in a month), begonia, small chrysanthemum (kogiku), and spirea (kodemari).

< Photographed in November 2022>

<The above photos were taken by Fumie Kumagai>

Surviving from the scorching summer heat autumnal roses have come back this year again. Others in the photo album this month are lantana flowers, distant view of the Enoshima Island, and pansies for getting ready for the winter.

< Photographed in October 2022>

<The above photos were taken by Fumie Kumagai>

Playing on the flute-2022 Fumie Kumagai played on the flute,
Albert Franz Doppler/Karl Doppler,
Hungarian Shepherd's Song Fantasy (for 2 flutes and piano),
on October 1, 2022.

On the 1st of October 2022 at the Fujisawa Labor Hall F-Hall, Fumie Kumagai challenged to perform flute ensemble for two flutes and piano, "Hungarian Shepherd's Song Fantasy" by Albert Franz Doppler, and Karl Doppler. Based on the flute and piano piece “Hungarian Pastoral Fantasy Op.26,” the Doppler brothers newly composed a version for two flutes and a piano in 1856. The first half Andante 6/8, the piano accompaniment of the prelude, the flute begins with a familiar melody. In the newly written part, written as Piu Lento, the duo begins at a slow tempo, but the tempo increases like a heated dance towards the end of the song.
There is no way that I can play like the professional flutist, but I did my best with the kind assistance of both the flutist Mayumi Shibano, and the pianist Azusa Iizuka. The video was taken and edited by the Shonan Academy of Music, and the unedited one by Mr. Takao Shimada, who is my high-school classmate, and is happened to be taking flute lessons from the same instructor, Ms. Mayumi Shibano.

Click on the following for the video:
Hungarian Shepherd's Song Fantasy (edited)
Hungarian Shepherd's Song Fantasy (unedited)

Photo and VIDEO were taken by Mr. Takao Shimada

Having typhoons and scorching heat in September, flowers in the garden were not colorful at all. I am glad, however, to see some survived. They were Cluster Amaryllis (Higan-bana), Begonia, Luffa Flowers (Hechima-no-hana), Marigold, Lantana Flowers, and the Last Rose of Summer.

< Photographed in September 2022>

<The above photos were taken by Fumie Kumagai>

As I skipped to upload flowers in July here are those in July and August. As we have had a scorching summer this year toward the end of the month, the garden has gotten not colorful at all. However, I am happy to show colorful ones such as grove begonia, yellow-spotted lily, yellow canna, bellflowers, Hemerocallis, loofah flower, and decorations for welcome and farewell fires bloomed by early to mid-August. Hope you enjoy them!

< Photographed in July - August 2022>

<The above photos were taken by Fumie Kumagai>

This year we hardly had any rainy season, but we abruptly launched into the scorching summer season in June! Because of that, we started to have summer flowers in June. They are colorful and vivid, and had grown energetically. Among them, picked up for the homepage of June flowers are Mary Gold from seeds, Hemerocallis, Gladiolus, Oakleaf Hydrangea, Kidney Beans with a lot of harvested, and Haworthia Plants.

< Photographed in June 2022>

<The above photos were taken by Fumie Kumagai>

For May flowers, I picked up various different colors of roses in the garden. They are red, madder red, yellow, white, pink, pearl color, and the bouquet of roses. They are fantastic and beautiful indeed!

< Photographed in May 2022>

<The above photos were taken by Fumie Kumagai>

Spring has come! Flowers in the garden are in full bloom. They are too many to upload onto the Home-Page. Of them you can see the following seven: Camellia, Cape marguerite, Lily of the valley, Hyacinth orchid, Geranium, Spathiphyllum, and Hybrid tea.

< Photographed in April 2022>

<The above photos were taken by Fumie Kumagai>

When the month of March comes flowers in the garden started to bloom one after the other. Flowers uploaded in the Home-Page are pansys, tulips, Christmas roses, cow trees, silk pod peas, and amaryllis. The sign of spring gives us vigor in life!

< Photographed in March 2022>

<The above photos were taken by Fumie Kumagai>

Despite having unusually cold month of February, I am pleased to see enough signs of spring around. They are homemade Ehomaki (uncut sushi roll), eaten during Setsubun (the traditional day to celebrate the end of winter for good luck, and the direction this year was the north-by-northwest), Ohinasama doll displayed at Girls’ Festival that I usually decorate right after the setsubun, i.e., on the risshunn, the beginning of spring. Many more pretty white flowers of snap peas, tulip buds, kane-no-naru-ki (cash cow) they all tell that spring is just around the corner!

< Photographed in February 2022>

<The above photos were taken by Fumie Kumagai>

We are having a span of unusually cold days this winter, even a relatively warm Shonan area. Due to the severe winter this year flowers in the garden this month are exceptionally few. However, when the pretty white flowers of snap peas begin to bloom, and when the tulip buds start to appear they remind me that the spring is just around the corner.

< Photographed in January 2022>

<The above photos were taken by Fumie Kumagai>

December flowers in the garden are less and not colorful than other months. To add colors and a taste of festivity photos uploaded are the miniature Merry Christmas, Ezonishiki camellia, the last rose of the fall, yellow pansies, and homemade goody foods for the New Year. Hope you enjoy them!

< Photographed in December 2021>

<The above photos were taken by Fumie Kumagai>

Flowers in November are getting ready for the winter to come. They are Christmas cactus, spiraeas (Kodemari) in orange color, spiraeas in vivid pink color, small chrysanthemum, and pansies in yellow. Hoping that these flowers will entertain and soothe our eyes during the coming harsh winter.

< Photographed in November 2021>

<The above photos were taken by Fumie Kumagai>

Playing on the flute-2021 Fumie Kumagai challenged to play on the flute, Bizet/Borne, Carmen Fantasy, on October 30, 2021.

On the 30th of October 2021 at the Fujisawa Labor Hall F-Hall, Fumie Kumagai challenged to perform flute ensemble for two flutes and piano, "Carmen Fantasy" by Francois Borne, from the Opera in the 4th Act of Georges Bizet. It is the so-called one of the flute masterpieces that is extremely delicate and difficult for fingering. There is no way that I can play like the professional flutist, but I did my best with the kind assistance of both the flutist Mayumi Shibano, and the pianist Kana Hirose. The video was taken and edited by the Shonan Academy of Music, and the unedited one by Mr. Takao Shimada, who is my high-school classmate, and is happened to be taking flute lessons from the same instructor, Ms. Mayumi Shibano.

Click on the following for the video:
Carmen Fantasy (edited)
Carmen Fantasy (unedited)

Photos were taken by Mr. Takao Shimada

As flowers were hit by the typhoon in September the color of the garden in October is usually looked lonesome. Even in such a situation, it is good to see that a few flowers and colored leaves added beauty to the garden. They are the remnants of roses, bitter gourd leaves, Japanese silver leaf (Tsuwabuki), and the autumnal leaves of Hydrangea quereifolia 'Snowflake' (Kashiwaba Ajisai). Please see photos in the below.

< Photographed in October 2021>

<The above photos were taken by Fumie Kumagai>

It is delightful to show flowers of September because they are the ones that survived from the torrential rains and typhoons we had in September. They are hydrangea, amaryllis, red rose, begonia, cluster amaryllis (Higanbana), buttercup (kinpouge), and reeves spirea (kodemari).

< Photographed in September 2021>

<The above photos were taken by Fumie Kumagai>

Flowers in August this year have been disastrous because of the torrential rain, gusty wind, and sand dust brought by as a result of the demolition of the large house across the street. Thus, rather than flowers foliage plants are what photographed and uploaded onto the site such as rubber trees, golden pothos, red leaves, and geranium. I am hoping that real flowers can be posted in September.

< Photographed in August 2021>

<The above photos were taken by Fumie Kumagai>

The scorching summer heat started early this year. Because of that, flowers in the garden in July have been not so many or colorful. Yet, there are some which pleased our eyes. They are roses, bellflowers, marigolds, tomato(!), begonias, and lilies.

< Photographed in July 2021>

<The above photos were taken by Fumie Kumagai>

Weather of June this year started with very sunny followed by rainy days of the typical rainy season. Flowers in the garden are Lilies, Lantanas, Marigolds, Gladiolus, Hemerocallis, and an ant on a remnant rose! Looking at these flowers and plants in the garden makes me feel at ease.

< Photographed in June 2021>

<The above photos were taken by Fumie Kumagai>

Roses in the garden have finished their blooms, and now various kinds of hydrangeas are beautiful and elegant. Marigolds have been planted, and are getting bigger and bigger day by day.

< Photographed in May 2021>

<The above photos were taken by Fumie Kumagai>

With the breeze of spring various flowers started to blossom adding colors in the garden. They are cymbidium, wild chrysanthemum, clematis, lily of the valley, roses...They are elegant, pretty, and very sweet.

< Photographed in April 2021>

<The above photos were taken by Fumie Kumagai>

It is truly amazing to see and feel the power of the nature! During the month of March we saw the sign of spring all over the garden as various flowers blossomed. They are red, pink, and white camelias, Christmas roses, amaryllis, silk pod peas, rape blossoms, muscari, tulips, and others. In addition, new leaves of various tree flowers have started to grow!

< Photographed in March 2021>

<The above photos were taken by Fumie Kumagai>

When flowers are blossoming out one after the other in the garden, we feel that spring is coming very near around us. Flowers in this month are camellias, pansy, daphne, Christmas roses, and Hinamaturi doll!

< Photographed in February 2021>

<The above photos were taken by Fumie Kumagai>

January this year seems much colder than last year, and flowers in the garden are very few. We truly look forward to the coming of the spring with variety of flowers, and praying for the end of the coronavirus pandemic.

< Photographed in January 2021>

<The above photos were taken by Fumie Kumagai>

Flowers in December in the garden were not many, perhaps preparing for the spring to come. Roses in December looked so cold. Thus, they were cut and brought inside the house. Then, they became amazingly lively, just like humanbeings!

< Photographed in December 2020>

<The above photos were taken by Fumie Kumagai in January 2021.>

Flowers in November are ready for the winter and Christmas! They are remnants of roses, white begonia, leopard plants, chrysanthemum, pansies, and Christmas ornaments.

< Photographed in November 2020>

<The above photos were taken by Fumie Kumagai>

Due to the scorching summer we had well over the past couple of months flowers in the garden were not doing well. Gladly enough, however, some recovered, and I truly feel the strength of their vitality. They are cluster amaryllis (higanbana), marigolds, and bitter gourd (goya) as seen in the below.

< Photographed in September 2020>

<The above photos were taken by Fumie Kumagai>

Due to the intense heat this summer plants in the garden are nearly dying. There are particularly few flowers in the garden in August. Therefore, I mainly put a few photographs of foliage plants (white lily, grove begonia, rubber tree, variegated rubber tree, and banyan tree).

< Photographed in August 2020>

<The above photos were taken by Fumie Kumagai>

We are having unusually long rainy season this year. According to the weather forecast it will probably extend to the early part of August in the Kanto area. Because of that, flowers in the garden in July have been not so many or colorful. Here are some which pleased our eyes. They are amaryllis, bellflower, Hemerocallis, marigold, canna, and what’s the last one? It is a long snake found on the fence of the house across our garden.

< Photographed in July 2020>

<The above photos were taken by Fumie Kumagai>

Playing on the flute-2020 Fumie Kumagai challenged to play on the flute, A. F. Doppler, Sonata for 2 Flutes and Piano, Op. 25 on June 5, 2020.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic all the public performances of Shonan Music Academy at Fujisawa City Hall originally scheduled in March were cancelled. Instead, video takings for each person have been conducted, and mine was done on the 5th of June. The piece I picked up this year is a lengthy one of four movements, taking 20 minutes to play altogether. On top of the technical difficulty it also requires a lot of efforts for artistic expressions.

Brief explanations of this sonata are as follows: This sonata for two flutes and piano by Franz Doppler was rediscovered by Prof. Andras Adorjan in the former production archive of the Schott music publishing house and is now published completely for the first time. An undated handwritten note on the title page of the manuscript solves the riddle: “NB. Von dieser Sonate nur Andante u. Rondo stechen zu lassen und das Stuck demgemass zu titulieren”. [NB. Engrave only Andante a. Rondo of this Sonata and name the piece accordingly.] This is why only the last two movements were printed by Schott and this composition survived as a fragment. Andante and Rondo are very popular among flautists. Now they can enjoy the whole sonata including the first two movements Moderato and Menuetto. ( Doppler, Sonata for 2 Flutes and Piano, Op. 25)

Click on the following for the video of each movement:
1st Movement: Moderato (06:02)
2nd Movement: Menuetto (03:39)
3rd Movement: Andante (05:40)
4th Movement: Rondo (04:27)

Photos and videos were taken by Shonan Music Academy.

Flowers in the rainy season are not colorful, but reserved and moderate. Photos taken from the garden for this month are dayflower (tsuyukusa), hydrangea quercifolia (Kashiwaba Ajisai), Hemerocallis, marigold, cucumbers, and tomato, although the last two are not flowers!

< Photographed in June 2020>

<The above photos were taken by Fumie Kumagai>

In the midst of the fearful COVID-19 pandemic various kinds and colors of flowers are in full bloom during the month of May. They surely ease our eyes and minds. Below are some photos of roses in the garden.

< Photographed in May 2020>

<The above photos were taken by Fumie Kumagai>

Flowers in April this year are great disappointment, because only four tulips bloomed out of the total of 200 bulbs planted in late October last year! I remember that they came late last year. But it was a total disaster this year, perhaps due to the very mild winter we had. It did not get even below zero, and it was the worst environment for tulips. Hope it will be OK next year.

< Photographed in April 2020>

<The above photos were taken by Fumie Kumagai>

The spring is around the corner, and let’s enjoy some of the flowers in our garden. The first photo is not from our garden by any means, but is the recently renovated Katase-Enoshima Station on the Odakyu-line nearby our house.

< Photographed in March 2020>

<The above photos were taken by Fumie Kumagai>

Although sign of spring is around flowers in the garden are not so many in February. Flowers picked up from our garden are daphne, Christmas rose, yellow pansy, violet pansy, and viola as follows:

< Photographed in February 2020>

<The above photos were taken by Fumie Kumagai>

There were not so many flowers in the garden in December. Thus, let me show Christmas decorations and ornaments, pansies which have grown after a month and a half.

< Photographed in December 2019>

<The above photos were taken by Fumie Kumagai>

November flowers in the garden are not so many, and I picked up three as seen below. They are Code Mari Flowers, Chrysanthemums, and pansies just being planted.

< Photographed in November 2019>

<The above photos were taken by Fumie Kumagai>

Perhaps, due to the climate warming the strongest ever before in the history Typhoon Hagibis (#19 Japan) hit the Kanto area on the 12th of October. I had to be evacuated intone of the Municipal Shelter Buildings, but not flowers in the garden. With the gasty wind and torrential rains, most of them died. The below are some which survived from the hard ordeal they experienced.

< Photographed in October 2019>

<The above photos were taken by Fumie Kumagai>

Having a span of scorching hot days and an extremely violent typhoon in 50 years, many flowers in the garden were damaged. Here are just a few of those survived...

< Photographed in September 2019>

<The above photos were taken by Fumie Kumagai>

Not many flowers in August. Thus, let me show some foliage plants.

< Photographed in August 2019>

<The above photos were taken by Fumie Kumagai>

Various colors in the garden in July are beautiful and enjoyable indeed!

< Photographed in July 2019>

<The above photos were taken by Fumie Kumagai>

Representative flowers in June in Japan would be hydrangea. They are beautiful and elegant in the rain. Here are some different kinds of them in my front garden.

< Photographed in June 2019>

<The above photos were taken by Fumie Kumagai>

As the famous phrase of “May Flowers” by Wordsworth goes, various colors of roses in the flower bed of the garden are in full bloom this month. I am extremely pleased to see them survived from the torrential rain in mid-May!

< Photographed in May 2019>

<The above photos were taken by Fumie Kumagai>

Tulips bloomed very late this year, perhaps we had warm winter. By the time tulips bloomed all the muscari were gone…Below are some of the early spring flowers in the garden.

< Photographed in April 2019>

Playing on the flute-2019

On the 26th of March 2019 at Fujisawa City Hall, Fumie Kumagai performed three movements from P.I. Tchaikovsky, "The Nutcracker Suite, Op. 71a." These three movements of my choice were "March (of the Toy Soldiers)," "Dance of the Reed Flutes," and "Waltz of the Flowers." Although I made some mistakes I truly enjoyed playing these movements with the kind assistance of both the flutist Mayumi Shibano, and the pianist Azusa Iizuka.

<The above were kindly photographed by brother-in-law of Ms. Shibano.>

● VIDEO kindly taken by Takao Shimada.

It is just unbelievable that almost a year has passed since the spring flowers in 2018 were uploaded onto this site! I have been up to my ears for the writing project on the Municipal Power and the Population Decline in Japan in English this time. Fortunately, however, I got a moment to take photos of early spring flower. Here are some of them.

< Photographed January-March 2019>

Playing on the flute-2018

On the 3rd of April, 2018 at Fujisawa City Hall, Fumie Kumagai challenged to perform Guilio Briccialdi “The Carnival of Venice,” a fast, elegant, flowing, and super skillful piece, should it be played by a professional flutist. But the one I played was no way like that! However, with the kind assistance of both the flutist Mayumi Shibano, and the pianist Azusa Iizuka I played it with my heart.

<The above were kindly photographed by Taro Okamoto.>

● VIDEO kindly taken by Takao Shimada.

● Recorded sound of the above on iPad could be downloaded

● Recorded sound of the flute ensemble of Japanese songs on iPad could be downloaded..

It is just unbelievable that a year has passed since the spring flowers in 2017 were uploaded onto this site! I have been up to my ears for the writing project on the Municipal Power and the Population Decline in Japan. Fortunately, however, I got a moment to take photos of tulips blossomed this year. They came late, perhaps due to my negligence in taking care of them during the winter.

< Photographed April 1, 2018>

It has been exactly a year since tulips in our garden were uploaded on the HP… Although thousands of photos were taken, I just did not find the time to work on them. Finally I got a moment to work on them. Nevertheless, with the length of time it took before uploading, you expect to see tens and tens of flowers throughout the past full one year in the photo album entitled on “2017-Spring Flowers.” Hope you enjoy looking at them.

< Photographed April 2017>

For more flowers, please click on the following:

2017-Spring Flowers ● Fumie Kumagai’s Photo Album-2017 Spring Flowers

Playing on the flute

On the 1st of April, 2017 at Fujisawa City Hall, Fumie Kumagai challenged to perform a piece entitled on "Guillaume Tell, duo brilliant" arranged by Jules Demersseman from the themes of the opera by Gioachino Rossini. It is a most technically difficult and extremely artistic and brilliant flute duo piece. It is no way that my performance was perfect, but I did my best with the most thoughtful assistance of the flutist Ms. Mayumi Shibano and the pianist Ms. Azusa Iizuka.

<The above were kindly photographed by M. Yokoyama.>

For more photos, please click on the following: ● 20170401-FK Flute Performance

● VIDEO kindly taken by Takao Shimada.

●Flute Ensemble on Italian Medley performed by the 16 members altogether.
VIDEO taken by Mrs. T. Shimada.

The Enoshima Fireworks Festival this year was held on the 15th of October. As opposed to the last year, we were fortunate to have a very clear autumn sky from the morning this year. The festival was held from 6:00p.m. to 6:45p.m. Though it was brief 45mts, fireworks were just so splendid, but nothing else. The following photo was taken from the video by Ms. Akemi Hasuike.

<Photo taken on October 15, 2016 by Mrs. Akemi Hasuike>

For VIDEO (!), taken by Mrs. Akemi Hasuike click on the following:

Enoshima Fireworks 2016 VIDEOs Fantastically splendid edited version of its VIDEO. (Photo taken by Ms. Akemi Hasuike, and edited by Mr. Yui Hasuike, linked with their permission.)
● Edited Version of VIDEO-2016-10-15-Enoshima Fireworks ● Fumie Kumagai’s Photo Album-2016-10-15-Enoshima Fireworks

It took me an incredibly long while before uploading so many of flowers since tulips in our garden. You see only three of them here. Nevertheless, with the length of time it took before uploading, you expect to see tens and tens of spring to summer flowers this time in the photo album entitled on “2016-Spring-Summer Flowers.” Hope you enjoy looking at them.

< Photographed Spring-Summer 2016>

For more flowers, please click on the following:

2016-Spring-Summer Flowers Flowers ● Fumie Kumagai’s Photo Album-2016-Spring-Summer Flowers

Tulips in our garden blossomed very late this year, started to bloom in mid-April and were in full bloom even as late as the very beginning of May-during the Golden Week holidays. It took me a long time since September before uploading Tulips this year. I am glad, however, that I have done so finally, but only one snapshot here due to the space limitation.

< Photographed April 25, 2016>

For more flowers, please click on the following:

20160504-Winter Flowers ● Fumie Kumagai’s Photo Album-20160504-Winter Flowers

Playing on the flute

On the 3rd of April, 2016 at Fujisawa City Hall, Fumie Kumagai challenged to perform a transcendental technically difficult and extremely artistic flute duo piece (for nearly 16mts) and piano accompaniment with flutist Ms. Mayumi Shibano and pianist Ms. Azusa Iizuka. The piece entitled on "Souvenir de Lucie de Lammermoor, Fantasia concertante" is arranged by Jurius Herman from the themes of the opera by Gaetano Donizetti.

<The above was photographed on May 4, 2016.>

For more photos, please click on the following: ● 20160403-FK Flute Performance

● VIDEO-partial (for 10mts out of 17mts, i.e., the first 7mts are not on) please click here.

● For recorded sound (for 17mts) please click here.

The Enoshima Fireworks Festival this year was held on October 17, 2015. To be honest, weather in the morning gave us skeptical for the event. Luckily enough, however, it was cleared out by noon, and the fireworks event was held for 45 minutes, from 6:00p.m. to 6:45p.m. Though it was brief, fireworks were just so splendid, but nothing else. Why don't you join me to enjoy the event!

<Photo taken on October 17, 2015 by Mrs. Akemi Hasuike>

For VIDEO (!), and more photos, please click on the following!

Fumie Kumagai's PICASA Photo Album ● Fumie Kumagai’s Photo Album-2015-10-18-Enoshima Fireworks

It took me amore than a year since uploading flowers last time. I am glad to have done so finally, but only a few as follows:

<Photographed: Summer 2015>

For more flowers, please click on the following:

Flowers in Our Garden ● Fumie Kumagai’s Photo Album-2015-Flowers in Our Garden

Flowers in Lake Yamanaka ● Fumie Kumagai’s Photo Album-2015-Lake Yamanaka Flower Garden

Fumie Kumagai Plays on the Flute: March 15, 2015

Photographed on March 15, 2015>

Playing on the flute

Fumie Kumagai plays on the flute, Franz Doppler, Op.18: "Concerto Paraphrase for Two Flutes and Piano" with flutist Ms. Mayumi Shibano and pianist Ms. Mukaiyama at Fujisawa City Hall on Sunday, March 15, 2015.

<The above was photographed on March 15, 2015.>

For more photos, please click on the following: ● Fumie Kumagai’s Photo Album-2015-Flute Performance

For the practice VIDEO without piano accompaniment click on the following: ●Fumie Kumagai practices flute duet-Franz Doppler, "Concerto Paraphrase" (Op18) without piano accompanyment with flutist Mayumi Shibano on March 13, 2015.

It took me a long while since uploading flowers last time. I am glad to have done so finally, but only a few as follows:

<Photographed: July 2014>

For more flowers, please click on the following: ● Fumie Kumagai’s Photo Album-2014-07-24-Flowers

Fumie Kumagai Plays on the Flute: March 30, 2014

Photographed on March 30, 2014>

Playing on the flute

Fumie Kumagai plays on the flute, Franz and Karl Doppler, Op.24: "Souvenir of Prague for Two Flutes and Piano" with flutist Ms. Mayumi Shibano and a burgeoning talented pianist Ms. Iizuka at Fujisawa City Hall on Sunday, March 30, 2014.

<The above was photographed on March 30, 2014.>
For the practice VIDEO without piano accompaniment click on the following: ●Fumie Kumagai practices flute duet with flutist Mayumi Shibano-Franz et Karl Doppler, "Souvenir de Prague" (Op24).-February 28, 2014.

Having with rain drops flowers in June are so vivid and beautiful indeed!

<Photographed: June 2013>

<The above were photographed in June 2013.>

Tulips and pansies are in full bloom in our flower bed this spring! They were so elegant and so sweet to be remembered for long.

<Photographed: April 2013>

<The above were photographed in early April 2013.>

Fumie Kumagai Plays on the Flute: March 10, 2013

<Photographed on March 10, 2013>

Playing on the flute

Fumie Kumagai plays on the flute, Francois Doppler, Op.36: "Duettino: Sur des Motifs Hongrois for Two Flutes and Piano" with flutist Ms. Mayumi Shibano and a talented young pianist Mr. Tanaka at Fujisawa City Hall on Sunday, March 10, 2013.

<The above were photographed on March 10, 2013.>
For the practice VIDEO without piano accompaniment click on the following: ●Fumie Kumagai practices on F. Doppler, Op.36 with Ms. M. Shibano -3-04-13

Fumie Kumagai Plays on the Flute: March 18, 2012

<Photographed on March 18, 2012>

Playing on the flute

Fumie Kumagai plays on the flute, Anton Bernhard Furstenau: "Rondo brilliant: Opus 102" with flutist Ms. Mayumi Shibano and pianist Ms. Aya Mukaiyama at Fujisawa City Hall on Sunday, March 18, 2012.
Flowers are those from Masa Tsuneyasu and Narumi Nishio-Kishimoto, the seminar graduates. We exchanged nice conversation to refresh our recent developments!

<The above were photographed on March 18, 2012.>

Roses blossomed beautifully during the holiday season this year! They were so elegant and so sweet to be remembered for long.

<Photographed: December 2011>

<The above were photographed in December 2011.>

Flowers in the Garden: Summer 2011

Spring ended early this year, and a span of summer heat has followed immediately after it. It would be hard on the flowers. However, they blossom quite vivid and lively indeed this year again. I am especially thankful for it because of the unprecedented natural disaster we have had in the past March. Flowers are strong and determined to show their pretty faces suggesting that we must follow their footsteps. Yes, we will and we must!!!

<Photographed: Summer 2011>

<The above were photographed in the Summer of 2011.>

Flowers in the Garden: Spring 2011!

It is extremely pleasing to have pretty flowers this spring in the garden. It is especially because we have gone through the unprecedented Great East Japan Triple Disaster of Earthquake, Tsunami, and Nuclear Plant Accident a month ago. These lovely flowers, fragile but never bend, perhaps, suggest that we must be determined to recover from the devastating grave national crisis. Yes, we will, we must, and we can!

<Photographed: Spring of 2011>

<The above were photographed in the Spring of 2011.>

Flowers in the Garden: Summer-Fall of 2010!

Flowers in the garden are pretty and beautiful indeed. Although they look fragile sometime they survived an unprecedented long span of heat wave that we experienced in the summer. They are pleasant to look as memories of recent past. Why don’t you join me to share them in the below!

<Photographed: Summer-Fall of 2010>

<The above were photographed between summer and fall of 2010.>

Fumie Kumagai Plays on the Flute: April 10, 2010

<Photographed on April 10, 2010>

Playing on the flute! Fumie Kumagai plays on the flute, Hugues: "Grand Concerto Fantasy: Opus 5, On the themes from “un ballo in maschera” by Verdi" with flutist Ms. Shibano and pianist Ms. Mukaiyama at Fujisawa City Hall on Saturday, the 10th of April in 2010. Flowers are those from Masa Tsuneyasu, the seminar graduate, and Toshiko Shibano-Horikoshi, one of my cosines.

<The above were photographed on April 10, 2010.>

For more photos please see the following websites:
●Fumie Kumagai's HP-FRIENDSHIP:
●KSB: Kumagai Seminar BLOG:

Flowers in the Early Spring of 2010!

It seems as if the spring has come earlier than usual, at least in our garden. In fact, tulips are in full bloom already. They are so elegant and pleasant to look at. Why don’t you share the joy of the spring with me as below!

<Photographed in the early spring of 2010>

<The above were photographed in the early spring of 2010.>

Flowers in the Summer of 2009!

Memories of various scenes in the summer of 2009. Let's look at some of them!

<Photographed in the summer of 2009>

<The above were photographed in the summer of 2009.>

Flowers in Early Summer of 2009!

Roses in early summer are colorful, pretty and elegant. They stand firmly in the garden to add accent there. Let's look at some of them!

<Photographed in early summer of 2009>

<The above were photographed in early summer of 2009.>

Spring Flowers-2009!

<Photographed on April 4, 2009>

Spring flowers in our garden are in full bloom. Amaryllis and orchids inside the house are elegant. Have a look at some of them in the below.

<Photographed in early April 2009>

<The above were photographed in early April 2009.>

Fumie Kumagai Plays on the Flute: April 4, 2009

<Photographed on April 4, 2009>

Playing on the flute! Fumie Kumagai plays on the flute, Franz Doppler: "La Sonnambula, paraphrase en souvenir de Adelina Patti, op 42 pour deux flutes et piano" with flutist Ms. Mayumi Shibano and pianist Ms. Ako Arimori at Fujisawa City Hall on Saturday, the 4th of April in 2009. Flowers are those from colleagues, seminar graduates, and friends who kindly came to hear my flute performance. They are Mr. And Mrs. Kyokuta, Ms. Nishio, Ms. Tsuneyasu.

<The above were photographed in February 2009.>

For more photos please see the following websites:
●Fumie Kumagai's HP-FRIENDSHIP:
●KSB: Kumagai Seminar BLOG:

Ko-Cho-Ran sent by the Kumagai Seminar Class of 2006

<Photographed on March 31, 2009>

Millions of Thanks for Your Kindness! It was more than moving to receive one of the most gorgeous, beautiful, and elegant flower pot of Ko-Cho-Ran (胡蝶蘭; Phalaenopsis; moth orchid) sent by the Kumagai Seminar class of 2006. I am thankful for their remembering my retirement from Kyorin University. I will, however, continue to teach at Kyorin U as a Visiting Professor of Sociology for a while. Then, I will come to campus two days a week, on Wednesdays and Thursdays when classes are in session.
Thank you again, and hope to see you all in the near future.

<The above were photographed in February 2009.>

For more photos please see the following websites: Kumagai Seminar-Album:
●Kumagai Seminar Album:
●"KSB: Kumagai Seminar BLOG: Photo Album." (Please scroll down toward the end.): KSB Photo Album:
●Fumie Kumagai's HP:
●KSB: Kumagai Seminar BLOG:

Orchids are in full bloom in our living room!

<Photographed in February 2009>

<The above were photographed in February 2009.>

It is good to see beautiful Mt. Fuji along the seashore!

<Photographed during the New Year's recess in January 2009>

<The above were photographed during the New Year's recess in January 2009.>

Summer 2008

Since early April many flowers have been accumulated in the camera waiting for their appearance on the HP websites. Now is the time, finally, for them to be seen. They are roses, flowers, vegetables, Enoshima Firework Festival, and Seikenji Zen Temple. Why don't you join me to enjoy some of these photos!

Enoshima Firework Festival-08

<Photographed on August 5, 2008>

<The above are photographed on August 5, 2008.>

Seikenji Rinzai Zen Temple in Okitsu

<Photographed on August 2, 2008>

<The above are photographed on August 2, 2008.>

Summer Flowers of 2008

<Photographed between June and early August of 2008>

<The above are photographed between June and early August of 2008.>

PLAYING ON THE FLUTE

Fumie Kumagai plays on the flute, Franz et Karl Doppler: "Valse di Bravura pour 2 flutes et piano, Op. 33" with flutist Ms. Aiko Suzuki and pianist Ms. Ako Arimori at Fujisawa City Hall on Saturday, the 12st of April in 2008.
Flowers are those from colleagues, seminar graduates, and friends who kindly came to hear my flute performance. They are Mr. And Mrs. Kyokuta, Mrs. Hashimoto, Mr. Iwabuchi, Mr. Ueno, Ms. Nishio, and Ms. Tsuneyasu.

<Photographed on April 12, 2008>

<The above are photographed on April 12, 2008.>

Flowers in our garden in early spring are magnificent indeed. Amaryllis and orchids inside the house are truly elegant this year. Have a look at some of them in the below.

<Photographed in early April 2008>

<The above were photographed in early April 2008.>

It is usually the case that the months of January and February are those not so many flowers are blossoming. Luckily enough, however, orchids in our living room are in full bloom. And, therefore, it is hard to resist not to upload some of the photos on the website. They are most elegant indeed, aren't they?

<Photographed in February 2008>

<The above were photographed in February 2008.>

A day before the potluck dinner party I heard the doorbell rang. I found there a deliveryman with a box of a flowerpot. It was sent by the two seniors of the Kumagai Seminar who will graduate from Kyorin in March. Thank you ever so much for the basket of the most elegant flower arrangement. I will remember for long the warmest hearts of these graduating seniors along with flowers shown below.

<Photographed on March 6, 2008>

<The above were photographed on January 27, 2008.>

Here are some memories and glimpse of the holiday season in 2007.

<Photographed in December 2007>

<The above were photographed in December 2007.>

Flowers in the summer are not so many. But they are quite vivid and dynamic indeed. At the same time Enoshima Firework Festival this year was held on August 7, 2007 with no rain but a bit too much wind for the event. And, therefore, it was delayed for a good half an hour. Nevertheless fireworks viewed from the veranda of the house were just so splendid, but nothing else. Why don't you join me to enjoy some of them!

<Photographed in early August of 2007>

<The above were photographed in early August of 2007.>

Roses this spring came very late, and other flowers did so also. Nevertheless, they are beautiful to remember. Have a look at some of them in the below.

<Photographed in May and June 2007>

<The above were photographed in May and June 2007.>

Tulips in our garden in early spring are magnificent indeed. Amaryllis inside of the house are truly elegant this year. Have a look at some of them in the below.

<Photographed in early April 2007>

<The above are photographed in early April 2007.>

PLAYING ON THE FLUTE

Fumie Kumagai plays on the flute, Franz et Karl Doppler: "Souvenir de Prague, Op 24, duo concertant" with flutist Ms. Aiko Suzuki and pianist Ms. Jyunko Urui at Fujisawa City Hall on Sunday, the 1st of April in 2007.
Flowers are those from colleagues and friends who kindly come to hear my flute performance. They are Professors Takagi and Kizaki, and Mr. and Mrs. Kyokuta.

<Photographed on April 1, 2007>

<The above are photographed on April 1, 2007.>

Having had an extremely mild winter this year winter flowers outdoors seem not so happy for the warmth. However, orchids indoors are in full bloom! Please enjoy some of them in the below.

<Photographed in March 2007>

<The above were photographed in March 2007.>

A day before the potluck dinner party I heard the doorbell rang. I found there a deliveryman with a box of a flowerpot. It was sent by the five seniors of the Kumagai Seminar. Thank you ever so much for the most elegant "Kocho-Ran" (Phalaenopsis orchids). I will remember for long the warmest hearts of these graduating seniors along with the flower shown below.

<Photographed on January 27, 2007>

<The above were photographed on January 27, 2007.>

It is good to see beautiful Mt. Fuji along the seashore!

<Photographed in January 2007>

<The above were photographed in January 2007.>

Here are some memories and glimpse of the holiday season in 2006.

<Photographed in December 2006>

<The above were photographed in December 2006.>

It is usually the case that the garden in the late fall is not so colorful. However, I am happy to find some touch of autumn as seen in the below. I am glad to share them with you.

<Photographed in November 2006>

<The above were photographed in early November 2006.>

Flowers in our garden were not so colorful this summer. Perhaps, I have not taken a good care of them... Nevertheless, they are beautiful indeed. Let's look at them.

<Photographed in August 2006>

<The above were photographed in August 2006.>

Here are last roses of this spring, the first harvest of cukes and tomatoes, and some early summer flowers... Let's look at them.

<Photographed in late June of 2006>

<The above were photographed in June of 2006.>

Roses in our garden blossom late this year. It seems as if all the flowers have been delayed to please us as the winter this year had prolonged significantly. It is so sweet of these elegant and beautiful roses that they all remember to blossom in our garden this spring again. Please take a look at them.

<Photographed in June 2006>

<The above were photographed in June 2006.>

Spring came late this year due to a span of cold days we had this winter. It is so good, however, to see all the pretty, sweet, and elegant flowers in full bloom in our garden. Please have a look at them.

<Photographed in January through early April, 2006>

<The above were photographed in January through early April 2006.>

It was a total surprise to receive a pot of the most beautiful and elegant cymbidium "Princess Masako" sent by the eight students enrolled in the Kumagai Seminar over the past two years, and will graduate from Kyorin University this March. I am more than thankful, and will remember the warmest hearts of them all.

<Photographed on January 29, 2006>

<The above were photographed on January 29 and 30, 2006.>

Here are some memories and glimpse of the holiday season in 2005.

<Photographed in December 2005>

<The above were photographed in December 2005.>

It is usually the case that the garden in the early fall in October is not so colorful. However, I am happy to find some touch of autumn as seen below. I am glad to share them with you.

<Photographed in October 2005>

<The above were photographed in October 2005.>

Having had an extremely hot summer, and perhaps I have not been so kind to flowers the flower bed of our front garden was not so colorful this summer as it used to be. However, I am glad to bring some of the "Last Rose of Sumer" to your attention in the below.

<Photographed in September 2005>

<The above were photographed in September 2005.>

Having had an extremely hectic semester in the spring I had hardly had time to upload pictures taken in our garden. Although arranged somewhat disorganized manner, I hope you will enjoy to visit our front garden during the period. At the end you will see a giant firework as large as the size 20, and it has been photographed pretty well! (^_~)

<Photographed in May-August 2005>

<The above were photographed in May-August 2005.>

Spring has come late this year. However, colorful and pretty flowers are all in full boom. Cherry blossoms are so beautiful in our living room and outside as well! Why does it happen so? It is a mystery indeed, but you will find the answer in the below. (^_~)

<Photographed in March-April 2005>

<The above were photographed in mid-March and early April 2005.>

Self-grown dendro-orchid flowers are pretty and elegant, although they are not as glorious as from a florist. I love them very much. Please share with me their beauty.

<Photographed in mid-January 2005>

<The above were photographed on January 30, 2005.>

Please share with me beauty of a dozen of the most luscious roses of a New Year's gift!

<Photographed on January 3, 2005>

<The above were photographed on January 3, 2005.>

Fumie and Winnie the Pooh send season's greetings. "Wishing You and Your Family A Very Happy Holiday Season!"

<Photographed in December 2004>

<The above were photographed in December 2004.>

Although not colorful at all in early November, there are some which give us feeling of at ease. They are as follows.

<Photographed: November 7, 2004>

<The above are photographed on November 7, 2004>

Have some cool feeling with fireworks against the clear evening sky.
<Photographed: August 3, 2004>

<The above are photographed on August 3, 2004>

Here are some flowers in July, before the mid-summer sunshine.

<Photographed: July, 2004>

<Photographed: July, 2004>

Roses in the rain are so vivid and beautiful indeed.

<Photographed: June, 2004>

<Photographed: June, 2004>

Please enjoy flowers in April, especially of the white garden.

<Photographed: April, 2004>

<Photographed: April, 2004>

Congratulating my recent book publication a friend of mine has sent me a magnificent pot of roses. They will be transplanted in the garden soon. Meanwhile, you may like to share the beauty with me.

<Photographed: March 28, 2004>

<Photographed: March 28, 2004>

Following three pictures are the pot of beautiful and elegant collar flowers sent by the Kumagai Seminar students who have just graduated from Kyorin University. I am more than thankful, and will remember the warmest hearts of them all. Wishing the very best of luck on the future, cheers! Fumie Kumagai

<Photographed: March 24, 2004>

<Photographed: March 24, 2004>

We enjoy a taste of an early spring flavor at the end of February. Thanks to warm winter primulas, pansies, dendros, and even amaryllis are blossoming. They are truly beautiful!

<Photographed on February 28, 2004>

<The above were photographed on February 28, 2004.>

The Last Rose of Summer is in full bloom in our garden in September. They are all so beautiful, and telling us that the fall is just around the corner.

<Photographed in September 2003>

<The above are photographed in September, 2003.>

Early summer flowers are blossoming in our garden, and they are beautiful indeed. It is most enjoyable to talk to them while watering in the morning.

<Photographed in June 2003>

<The above are photographed in June, 2003.>

Spring flowers are in full bloom--petunias, pansies, red and white tulips in our front garden. They are just so beautiful and relaxing to watch.

April 2003-Flowers ● Fumie Kumagai’s Photo Album-2003-04Aprilt-Flowers

March 2003-Flowers ● Fumie Kumagai’s Photo Album-2003-03March-Flowers

January 2003-Flowers ● Fumie Kumagai’s Photo Album-2003-01January-Flowers

The below are the pictures of the most beautiful dendro-orchid sent by the three members of the Kumagai Seminar who are going to graduate from Kyorin University this March. I am more than thankful, and will remember the warmest hearts of them all. Wishing the very best of luck on the future, cheers! Fumie Kumagai

<Photographed: January 28, 2003>

<Photographed: January 28, 2003>

For more flowers of earlier times, please click on the following:

2002-12-Christmas Tree ● Fumie Kumagai’s Photo Album-2002-12-Christmas Tree

2002-08August-Flowers ● Fumie Kumagai’s Photo Album-2002-08August-Flowers

2002-07July-Flowers ● Fumie Kumagai’s Photo Album-2002-07July-Flowers

2002-04April-Flowers ● Fumie Kumagai’s Photo Album-2002-04April-Flowers

2002-03March-Flowers ● Fumie Kumagai’s Photo Album-2002-03March-Flowers

2001-08August-Flowers ● Fumie Kumagai’s Photo Album-2001-08August-Flowers

2001-10October-Flowers ● Fumie Kumagai’s Photo Album-2001-10October-Flowers

2001-08August-Flowers ● Fumie Kumagai’s Photo Album-2001-08August-Flowers

E-mail: fkumagai@ks.kyorin-u.ac.jp E-mail: fkumagai@jcom.home.ne.jp Fumie Kumagai's home page (C) Fumie Kumagai. All rights reserved.