A graphic narrative piece, drawing on 16 months of ethnographic fieldwork with older adults in Japan. The central character is a composite of several women I met during my research. The illustrations are taken directly from field sketches and also imaginative drawings made while writing-up.
"Second Spring" follows the journey of Keiko, a woman in her sixties living in Kyoto, Japan, as she rediscovers herself in later life. As the autumn leaves fall, Keiko finds herself reflecting on her life spent fulfilling societal expectations as a mother and carer. As spring arrives, bringing its annual rebirth and renewal, Keiko begins to feel a deep yearning for change and personal growth.
The narrative unfolds through Keiko’s letter to her long-term pen pal, layered over illustrated scenes that tell their own story of interdependence. In Japan, old trees are revered for their spiritual power and are supported and cared for as they age. Keiko’s story is graphically intertwined with the natural world around her, reflecting the theme of interconnectedness, but also revealing the feelings of burden and constraint that can co-exist with care.
As Keiko anticipates her "second spring," she also delves into her past, reconciling with old passions and regrets. Through introspective dialogue, she confronts the limitations imposed by societal norms and her own fears. She explores themes of trust and ostracism, recognising the interconnectedness of all living things, but also the scrutiny that can come with connection to others.
"Second Spring" is part of a longer piece that interweaves a correspondence between the two pen pals, looking at how the different cultural contexts of Finland and Japan impact on the lives of the two women in later life. This larger work is an exploration of self-discovery, resilience, and correspondence between human and non-human lives. It celebrates the idea that it is never too late to find oneself and that, just like spring, renewal and growth are always possible, no matter the season of life.
A graphic narrative piece, drawing on 16 months of ethnographic fieldwork with older adults in Japan. The central character is a composite of several women I met during my research. The illustrations are taken directly from field sketches and also imaginative drawings made while writing-up.
"Second Spring" follows the journey of Keiko, a woman in her sixties living in Kyoto, Japan, as she rediscovers herself in later life. As the autumn leaves fall, Keiko finds herself reflecting on her life spent fulfilling societal expectations as a mother and carer. As spring arrives, bringing its annual rebirth and renewal, Keiko begins to feel a deep yearning for change and personal growth.
The narrative unfolds through Keiko’s letter to her long-term pen pal, layered over illustrated scenes that tell their own story of interdependence. In Japan, old trees are revered for their spiritual power and are supported and cared for as they age. Keiko’s story is graphically intertwined with the natural world around her, reflecting the theme of interconnectedness, but also revealing the feelings of burden and constraint that can co-exist with care.
As Keiko anticipates her "second spring," she also delves into her past, reconciling with old passions and regrets. Through introspective dialogue, she confronts the limitations imposed by societal norms and her own fears. She explores themes of trust and ostracism, recognising the interconnectedness of all living things, but also the scrutiny that can come with connection to others.
"Second Spring" is part of a longer piece that interweaves a correspondence between the two pen pals, looking at how the different cultural contexts of Finland and Japan impact on the lives of the two women in later life. This larger work is an exploration of self-discovery, resilience, and correspondence between human and non-human lives. It celebrates the idea that it is never too late to find oneself and that, just like spring, renewal and growth are always possible, no matter the season of life.