This is the time when people who are busy day and night can be the most themselves. Because you have limited time, you can focus on what you like and what is important to you, you can interact with people you would not normally meet, and your lifestyle will be enriched. B:MING by BEAMS is a serialized project that focuses on people who naturally enjoy morning activities. The seventh installment is about flower artist Yuki Maeda. After giving birth, she moved to the suburbs surrounded by her favorite nature. A close look at the life of living with flowers.

“Even though the mornings are early and hard, my love for flowers outweighs them.”


Q: Mr. Maeda, please tell us how you spend your mornings.

``Well, I'm very busy (lol).Since I don't have a store, I think about the flowers I need depending on the job at the time, and go to the market early in the morning to buy them.I take turns with the staff. I go to the market about once or twice a week, so I wake up at 4:30 on that day and drive about an hour and a half from my home in Kamakura.At night, I put my child to bed and go to bed with her. I tend to sleep a lot, so I think I'm someone who generally gets a good night's sleep.Also, I'm nervous while driving, so I don't get sleepy that much.I think about a lot of things while I'm in the car, and I get a little sleepy. It's time for me to change my mind and spend some precious time alone.I don't have much time to read the newspaper or check the news on TV, so I often listen to the radio to gather information.''

Q: Are you conscious of work-life balance?

``When I was an office worker, I think I had a passive attitude, but I started my current job by choice, so it's very rewarding, and even though I'm busy, I really feel like I'm in charge. I'm strong.I really like flowers, so even if it's irregular or early in the morning, I feel like my love for flowers is even stronger.Also, when I finish work early in the morning and have time, I spend time with all the staff. I try to change my mind by going to exhibitions or going to museums, and I try to think of it as my own time."

Q: On the other hand, it seems difficult to make time for your children and family?

“My husband and I work together in matters related to our children.On days when I go to the market, my husband goes to the market, and on other days I go to work after having breakfast and taking them to nursery school. I have a small atelier, so I finish my work there, and some days I work from home.On weekends, I try to take one of the two days off and spend time with my family.I really like coffee. That's why in the morning, my husband and I often grind beans, brew coffee, and relax.My home is in the mountains, more than 30 minutes walk from the nearest station.360 degrees. It feels like it's standing alone in a place surrounded by greenery with a nice breeze, so I enjoy taking leisurely walks around it.''


Q: I think changing jobs and moving is a very big decision. How did you come to love flowers and nature so much?

``I've loved flowers since I was a child.Since elementary school, I commuted to school on crowded trains, so I had the feeling that I had lived in a big city.That's why I didn't see many trees and flowers like those in movies.'' I had a strong admiration for nature because I didn't grow up close to it.I missed nature, or rather, I always wanted to be in touch with nature, so when my mother bought me flowers when I was little, I was so happy. I've had this feeling ever since my previous job (as an announcer), so I decided to live only once and do what I really want to do as a job.When I work with flowers, my hands get really rough in the winter. At first, I felt embarrassed about my hands being covered in red cuts, but now that I can do what I love with my hands, I've come to think that it's not so bad.''

“I want to create an opportunity for more people to decorate with flowers in the city.”


Q: What kind of flowers do you like?

``When I walk around my house, I see cute flowers that bloom just like weeds.That's why I like wildflowers.Even when I buy them at the market, I notice that they have different branches and are unique.'' I get so excited about flowers that I just can't help but reach for them.I love how each flower is different, so I choose flowers that are unique or that say they are not the same as everyone else. I enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime encounter with the flowers I encounter at the market that day, and I find it fascinating to combine them.”

Q: Do you have any essential inspiration for your flower work? Or vice versa, do flowers have an impact on your daily life?

``I get a lot of inspiration from all kinds of things in the city.I especially like fashion, so I often decide on the worldview of my works based on trends in clothes and colors.I also cherish the four seasons that can be sensed through flowers.'' If a man were to give a present to a woman, I think it would make her happy to give him seasonal flowers.Isn't it nice to be able to feel the season in your room?"

Q: I heard that it has been seven years since you started working with flowers. Please tell us your future goals.

“When I work with flowers, I realize that there are still many people who are not interested in flowers.For me, having flowers makes my life better and gives me a lot of energy. I want to do something to let more people know about the charm of flowers.I really hope that even in cities with little nature, more people will decorate with flowers, and the city will be overflowing with flowers. ”


Q: Lastly, what is the good thing about mornings with flowers?

``After all, it brightens up the space.Also, when changing the water in the morning, I think it's a very pleasant habit to touch the flowers and prepare them properly, and I think it will make for a great day.'' This is where it becomes fun.”

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