Bali at Dusk
As spring quietly approaches—arriving in subtle waves of warmth and cold after Risshun, the beginning of spring in Japan—I find myself reflecting on the gentle transition of seasons.
Six months ago, in October last year, I traveled alone to Bali, Indonesia, to attend the wedding of my Asian American friend.
I stayed in Nusa Dua, with its breathtaking coastline, and experienced the refined architecture of The Ritz-Carlton Bali.
The bride and groom, both based in the United States, come from diverse cultural backgrounds. Guests gathered from across the world—America, Singapore, Japan, and beyond—each bringing their own stories and identities.
During the celebration, I noticed a graceful woman with beautiful posture and striking gray hair. When I spoke to her, I discovered she was my friend’s grandmother. My friend, her mother, and their close friends soon joined us, and I shared a warm and intimate moment with them.
Many women I meet abroad seem deeply rooted in their own agency. They choose their paths intentionally and accept both the light and shadow that follow those choices. Their expressions are vivid, alive with positive energy.
In Japan, I live in a society blessed with well-developed infrastructure and social systems that provide a certain level of security and predictability. Yet perhaps because of this comfort, I sometimes feel that we can become vulnerable to unexpected changes, or hesitant to step beyond our comfort zones.
To connect with people across borders and languages feels like a profound gift to me.
Encountering different cultures and philosophies nourishes my heart.
After the ceremony, I traveled to Ubud.
At a temple, I watched local children practicing traditional Balinese dance. The way they devoted themselves to refining their art was deeply beautiful. Watching them fully engage both body and mind in pursuit of mastery reminded me of my own career as a hairstylist. Specializing in one discipline and polishing it over years stirred something emotional within me.
During my stay, I was fortunate to participate in Purnama, the full moon ceremony in Balinese Hinduism. On the night of the full moon, I wore a sarong and selendang sash around my waist and offered prayers of gratitude.
The way spirituality and nature intertwine in Bali feels, in some ways, similar to Japan.
For many years, I had longed to visit Amandari.
In Indonesia, “Ibu” is an honorific used for women. I was guided to the dining room under the name “Ibu” and enjoyed lunch there.
Under the intense tropical sun, I felt the contrast between the cool marble air and the warmth of wooden architecture, quietly harmonizing with Ubud’s landscape.
I also visited Further Hotel in Seminyak.
I found inspiration in the contrast between natural light and modern interior design.
A space becomes unique when its land, climate, and environment are carefully considered and utilized. In that sense, hair design shares the same essence.
Chinatsu Sakamoto
