Why Japan is crazy about moss (6 photos)

Yes, about moss, nowhere else will you find so many compositions with moss and even special "beds" with it as in Japan. Moreover, in the country they make drinks stylized as moss, insert moss filled with epoxy into rings and jewelry, inside glass balls in Japan... yes, also moss.





The subject of sincere admiration of the Japanese

And recently the country even opened special tours with guides who will take you to places with the best moss and the most mossy forests of Japan. Each participant is given a magnifying glass to take a better look at it.

Why moss, Japan, why!?

Because of the approximately 12,000 species of moss in the world, Japan has as many as 2,500 varieties. In a relatively small area of ​​land, there is the greatest diversity, so that it is truly interesting and there is always a new variety at hand for comparison. That is, it is simply easier to study and admire mosses in Japan, as it is easier to notice their differences.



When you see such bright moss, do you want to stroke it with your finger?

And all because the humid climate of Japan creates ideal conditions for the plant to flourish. And looking at moss during Japan's hot, humid summers is relaxing (one of the reasons many people hang moss balls under the eaves of their homes).

Because of its prevalence on the island, moss is deeply ingrained in Japanese culture. Most Japanese Zen gardens feature moss. A Japanese garden is even considered incomplete without it.





If there is moss in the garden, it is a source of pride - the garden is very old, it is marked by centuries

Did you know that the Japanese national anthem even has the word "moss"!?

"May your peace last for a thousand years, Until the pebbles merge into one giant rock and are covered with moss"

In 2011, Hisako Fujii published a book called "My Dear Moss Friends". It sold over 40,000 copies across the country, helping to spark a wave of Japanese madness in love with moss. As usual, a subculture of girls called "moss girls" even emerged. But in Japan, every phenomenon has its own trend and subculture.



Girl on a moss tour

Japanese philosophy of moss

It's all about the difference in the two cultures' approach to nature.

In Western cultures, people often view nature as something to be conquered. But instead of trying to dominate nature, the Japanese try to coexist with it from the position of a polite guest. While in other countries moss is considered a symbol of an abandoned garden, and gardeners are even hired to clear the garden of moss, the Japanese are simply shocked by this approach.



A sculpture from a Japanese garden covered in moss

In addition, in Japan, everything that has a history and a great age is valuable. It takes years and years for moss to grow to cover even a small stone, so the Japanese look at it with awe.

Like bonsai trees, moss can be grown at home. Since moss is easy to find almost anywhere in Japan, from street curbs to backyards, you can scrape it off and put it in a glass. And it won't wither for a long time and will even grow there!



Do you know where this decorative item was invented? That's right, in Japan

How amazing that the refraction of an entire culture can be seen in relation to such a trivial phenomenon as street moss. Simply mesmerizing.