The Seven Stars Tree is a term referring to the Big Dipper, which is in the constellation Ursa Major in the northern sky. The Big Dipper is shaped like a ladle, hence the character "斗" (do). The names of the Big Dipper are Alpha (α), Beta (β), Gamma (γ), Delta (δ), Epsilon (ε), Zeta (ζ), and Eta (η). Eta, which is the handle of the Big Dipper, is also called "Yarukou" (Rotational Light), and people have known the time from that direction since ancient times.
The Big Dipper also appears in the esoteric Buddhist scripture "The Buddhist Sutra of the Big Dipper's Longevity," which is based on Chinese folk beliefs. This scripture teaches that offering the Big Dipper to the common people will ensure their peace and longevity.
This winter, I traveled to Hokkaido to experience minimalism photography, which has filled me with sentiments of peacefulness, calmness, tranquility and serenity.
The main idea behind minimalist photography is simplicity. In this genre, composition is crucial because there is little need for distracting components in a picture. Our attention to lighting, textures, patterns, and shapes draws attention to the subject matter when it is presented in an uncluttered manner.
The little town of Biei is encircled by expansive farmland and gently undulating hills. Cycling or driving around the hills and stopping at some of the flower fields and well-known trees is a lovely way to take in Biei's attractiveness.
There are a few noteworthy trees in Biei that have drawn interest from both residents and visitors. Since this was my first visit, I wanted to experience firsthand what all the fuss was about as they appear to be the more popular spots.
Marketing experts have been drawn to the area's beauty over the years, and certain trees have appeared in advertisements or on package labels. These well-known trees include the Seven Stars Tree (which was featured on cigarette packaging), a poplar named Ken and Mary Tree (from a vehicle commercial), and a series of larch trees on the Mild Seven Hill (from a cigarette commercial).
So, the Seven Stars Tree is actually more associated with the cigarette brand Seven Stars rather than the Big Dipper.
The Seven Stars Tree is a famous oak tree that was once used on the packaging of seven stars tobacco.
Seven Stars (セブンスター, Sebun Sutā) is a brand of cigarettes produced by Japan Tobacco. Seven Stars was launched on February 1, 1969, as the first cigarette with a charcoal filter, and was created in response to customer demands for low-tar, menthol, and D-spec (low smoke smell) products. From 1975 to 1977, it was the best-selling brand in Japan. Later, was ranked 2nd in sales following the 1977 launch of Mild Seven. From the first quarter of 2008 until 2016, the Seven Stars brand returned to best-selling status. A tree used on a Seven Stars package in 1976 became a scenic spot representative of the hills of Biei, Hokkaido. Seven Stars cigarettes are mainly sold in Japan, but also were or still are sold in Singapore, Austria, Ukraine and Afghanistan.
As it is the only tree on top of a hill, it also used to have the nickname "Hokuei's Single Tree." The landscape scenery is beautiful in the summer, with the contrast of the fresh greenery against the blue sky, and in the winter, with that single lonesome tree nestling atop a hill covered completely in white snow.
The oak tree symbolizes strength, power, and longevity, and is associated with many gods and goddesses. It has been a part of traditional rites and celebrations for centuries, and is the national tree of many countries. The Japanese see the oak leaves to be symbolic of the prosperity of one's descendants, as oak trees don't shed old leaves until new leaves grow.
Again, I took this shot using a 400mm lens. I picked a time when there is heavy snowfall and a day when the sky is white. I get my inspiration from the Yang (Jia 甲) Wood element in Fengshui. I wanted a minimalistic picture, but I also want an auspicious picture. Yang Wood is the dominant element in 2025. In Asian/ Chinese fengshui/ bazi calculations, we are each of one of the Ten Heavenly Stems. People with the Yang Wood Master Element mimic sturdy trees with deep roots that allow them to stand firmly in place. Just like those trees, these people could withstand almost anything. (The downside is they can also be very bull-headed and persistent in getting what they want.) Yang Wood people are the type who could visualize the grand scheme of things and pinpoint the major factors in a particular issue. But it is also because of this mentality that they tend to get directly to their end goal without thinking over the smaller details which give them a tendency to be frivolous especially in making decisions. The Jia Wood Daymaster is a symbol of strength, stability, and ambition that embodies the tenacity of trees. The qualities of an Jia Wood Daymaster are strong yet adaptable, reaching for greater goals like a tall tree. 2025 can be a difficult time for most people, and perhaps in these difficult times, only Jia Wood still stand out prominantly.
The photo is intended to be a minimalistic fine art print and can be presented as a landscape or portrait mode. This one should do very well with a walnut or oak wood frame.
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