Adonis Diaries

Devastated by the loss of vision and the prospect of being unable to make the dream trip, she became depressed and shut herself away in their home.

Believing a visitor or two might bring her out of her seclusion, Mr Kuroki decided to plant some pink shibazakura flowers, or moss phlox, in the garden, hoping people would come to look at them.

He also hoped his wife would take pleasure from their smell, even if she couldn’t see them.

For two years, he planted thousands of the flowers around their home.

A decade on, up to 7,000 people a day visit the flower garden in spring, flocking from surrounding towns and prefectures to see the incredible sea of pink.

As well as coming to see the carpet of flowers, many are keen to meet Mrs Kuroki, who is often seen walking around the garden with her husband – usually sporting a big smile.

The good news for Mrs Muroki is that spring has sprung earlier this year.

The Japansese pastime of hanami, or cherry blossom viewing, has already begun, with the Japanese Meteorological Agency announcing the beginning of sakura, the cherry blossom season, 15 days earlier than last year.