Resonating boundaries

Severe food shortages drew bears to human settlements where food was relatively available. Rather than roaming deep in the mountains, uncertain of where to find food, it was more reliable for them to aim for fields and chestnut groves where food was guaranteed. However, that is not the only reason.

When eating, anyone can become vulnerable. Normally, people try to keep potential threats away during meals. However, in the mountains, there is plenty of food that both humans and bears can eat. During the peak season, it is common for them to compete within each other's territories. Bears have a timid and sensitive nature, with body coverings that blend into the depths of the mountains to avoid confrontation with humans and other animals. Just as humans take measures to keep wildlife at bay for their safety, bears possess their own intelligence and physical traits to avoid risks. It is rare for bears to willingly appear in front of humans, knowing the potential dangers.

But what if days passed without food, reaching an extreme state?

What if they could no longer afford to be selective?

The earthen vessel has finally crumbled.

Transformed into the water of life, it merges into the great river and overflows.

In contrast, the mountain animals and people of the satoyama continue their journey, ever in search of blessings, enduring the heat.

Every day, they traverse mountains, crossing them repeatedly, spanning generations.

Eventually, they have wrapped themselves in a resilience unafraid of change.

When countless lives are muddled together,

The rainy sky divides their territories.

As long as the world appears clouded red,

The paths ahead remain unmixed,

Unwounded,

Uncrossed,

Remaining blue.

Eventually, the rain will cease.

Eventually, the individual who merged into the great river will be gone.

Without being captured by what has flowed,

They continue to gaze at the far shore.