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Published: April 24th 2006
Upclose and Personal
Sakura blossoms on one of the many trees throughout the city. They are very pretty! Shining spring day
Falling cherry blossoms
With my calm mind
~
Kino Tomonari They have inspired poetry, songs, festivals, and picnics. No, it's not a rock band, or some other cultural icon that most of us would initially think of. It's actually the cherry blossom, here in Japan known as "sakura." Sakura are considered to be one of the national flowers of Japan (apparently in competition with the chrysanthemum) and every spring, when they blossom, the Japanese truly show their adoration for these flowers.
The anticipation goes so far as a national map being produced, highlighting the "cherry blossom front," with the dates printed on each area, giving an approximation when the blossoms should be in full bloom. Spring seems to have gotten off to a slow start this year, but by mid-April the sakura did arrive, and it was worth the wait! Bursts of pink could be seen everywhere, along roadsides and rivers. Some of the most stunning displays of sakura were amongst green forested areas, often seen on mountainsides, where every now and again a splash of pink would appear.
Japanese people also have a tradition during sakura season called "hanami." This translates into "cherry blossom viewing." Often family and friends gather
Quiet Hanami
Friends enjoying "hanami" or "sakura viewing", alongside one of Hiroshima's many waterways. The sakura in Hiroshima are particularly beautiful along the waterfronts... under the blossoms of a sakura tree, to eat and drink, and enjoy the scenery. Sometimes for office parties, the youngest company workers are sent out during the day to scope out and stake claim to the best tree, and wait there for hours until the end of the day, when the rest of their colleagues can join them. Hanami is not to be taken lightly!
Other signs of spring can also be seen throughout Hiroshima, including other greenery sprouting, and songs of birds being heard throughout. I have been enjoying the lingering daylight and the warmth that is slowly arriving. Of course unto every spring a little rain must fall, and the Japanese spring is no different. However, last week it did rain so hard for over 24 hours non-stop that a flood warning was issued! I am eagerly anticipating the many May flowers that these April showers should bring!
I will let you sit back and enjoy the beauty of the sakura and the other spring scenery. If you want a full Japanese experience, grab a bento (a boxed lunch--sushi will do!), a beer, and perhaps a pencil and paper...to write a haiku...The sakura just might
inspire the poet in you, too!
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Jemi
non-member comment
Hey There..
ok.. firstly.. i love the cherry blossoms.. so beautiful.. secondly.. those turtles were hilarious! so cute and finally.. the bento box looked delish even though you said it wasn't the greatest.. hehe.. ok.. done!