From Masashi Sada's Garden vol.12 (Extra Edition): Sukanpo

"Kaze no Kagaribi" (Bonfire of the Wind)

Since an objection was raised regarding the description in last year's "Sukanpo" that "the sukanpo in Kaze no Kagaribi is likely Japanese knotweed," I am reposting "Sukanpo" as an extra edition.

Mr. F, a contemporary from the Waseda University Masashi Sada Research Society, says, "Judging by the flowering season, it must be garden sorrel."
Japanese knotweed blooms with white flowers from summer to autumn, while garden sorrel bears red flower spikes from early summer to summer, so it is indeed garden sorrel that overlaps with the firefly season.
However, given the pale and fleeting color tone that covers the song, the "small flowers of the sukanpo" seemed more fitting as white rather than red, more like Japanese knotweed.
I reread "Kaze no Kagaribi" once again.

What exactly does the "bonfire" represent?
Until now, I had always thought it likened the way fireflies drift to a bonfire swaying in the wind. But a bonfire is a fire lit to illuminate the surroundings or to burn charms, not a pale and fleeting light like that of a firefly.

Garden sorrel bears countless small red flower spikes. And as a whole, its spindle shape is reminiscent of a blazing flame.
Yes, the bonfire is the red sukanpo, the garden sorrel.
The fireflies might be sparks rising from the bonfire, or perhaps ash like snow.
The story of the two of them will likely be consumed by the bonfire, rise up, and come to an end.

I believe the interpretation of a work is up to the reader, so I am writing whatever I please. And it is a very happy thing to be able to carry on such a debate even after more than 30 years.