Several words exist in Japanese for “lotus,” such as スイレン and ハス(蓮), but the edible root is most commonly known as 蓮根 - “renkon,” or “connected root”. Kumamoto is quite famous for its cultivation, particularly on marginal land near Ariake Sea. It’s said that the Hosokawa family crest is derived from the shape of its root. It’s also associated with Buddhism as it rises through the muck to flower beautifully. Now is the time when it blossoms. Photographers, get out there. - William