It’s not a coincidence that Japan is an island and has the cultural force it does. With access to the water and mindful maintenance of trees.

My city Atlanta commonly felt like an island within an island. No water but plenty of greenery, music, and charm. We always say, “there’s Atlanta, then there’s Georgia”. With ties to the countryside, I know very well.

As I’m less than an hour or so from where my grandma must have grown up in Jersey, it’s so clear.