A gift for the writer.
—Jun Ikematsu, thank you for introducing my work at the #JealousyFestival.
“I’m a bit late to the party... but my gratitude is second to none!”
That is the feeling with which I am writing this article.
The other day, at the #JealousyFestival held on note, Jun Ikematsu added a wonderful comment and feedback from a professional perspective to my essay, “Strawberry Daifuku Tastes Like Sweet Jealousy.” Furthermore, at the after-party, he introduced it with a comment.
You can find that article here👇
🔗 Jun Ikematsu’s article “Nami Saito’s New Series Start Recommendation Festival” — After-party #JealousyFestival
🔗 My note that was introduced: “Strawberry Daifuku Tastes Like Sweet Jealousy.”
◆ Words that remained in my heart
Here is the comment I received from Mr. Ikematsu.
“A masterpiece that depicts the delicate swaying of a mother’s heart in a bittersweet way. A small story where the growth of a child and the complex emotions of a parent melt together, like the strawberry inside the daifuku, in a perfect blend of bitterness and affection.”
To have the “vague” emotions and expressions I held inside rephrased with such rich language...
It felt as if the writing I had created was rediscovered in a completely new form.
◆ The comments and lessons I received
Mr. Ikematsu found these three points in my writing:
Sincerity toward emotions
How the motif of strawberry daifuku is utilized
Natural depiction of the parent-child relationship
He identified these three points for me.
In particular, being told that “the writing skill used to depict the transition from ‘I want Mommy’ to ‘I want Daddy’ through small daily events is wonderful” made me very happy as a writer and served as great encouragement.
But that is not all.
I was also deeply moved by his specific and warm professional feedback.
Regarding the part where I wrote “Yes, it is jealousy,” he gave me this advice:
“For example, by depicting jealousy through physical sensations—such as ‘my chest tightens for some reason at the sight of my husband’s smile through the screen,’ or ‘a feeling of being left behind spread as I watched my daughter’s gaze follow only her father’—the mental landscape expands more richly.”
He gave me this advice.
With these words, I felt once again how profound expression truly is.
Rather than just explaining the emotion of “jealousy,” I want to be able to depict the physical sensations and the swaying of the heart from which that emotion arises, so that it can gently reach the reader’s heart—it made me want to stand tall and strive for that kind of expression.
◆ A place where we can play catch with words
The moments when I feel glad to be writing on note are, without a doubt, when someone carefully receives my words.
And when new words come back in return.
It is just like playing catch.
When words I intended to toss out are gently caught and returned in a slightly different form, I feel like I encounter emotions I hadn't even realized I had.
The other notes introduced in Mr. Ikematsu's article were also truly wonderful, and I read them while nodding along, thinking, "I totally get that!"
The gaze of people who are serious about writing is so warm and dazzling.
◆ In closing
Jun Ikematsu-san, thank you so much for the #JealousyFestival project, and for your heartfelt comments and feedback.
I am still a beginner on note, but the words I received this time have become a great source of nourishment for me as I continue to write from here on out.
"I want to write sentences that can stir a small breeze in someone's heart."
With that renewed feeling, I intend to continue weaving words, one step at a time.
Sincerely, Yoshiki
P.S.
With gratitude to everyone who wrote articles beforehand, especially the two of you.
The "gift for the writer" is being read.
And that the words received lead to the next expression.
I am truly grateful to be in such a cycle.
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感謝の気持ちいっぱいです！！