The sakura (cherry blossoms) have finally bloomed in Miyagi and with them, have come the sour knowledge that this is my 3rd and final sakura season. No more drinking beer on tarps under the trees and pretending I'm not freezing (because I can't wear my shoes on the freakin’ tarp...) Sakura season is beautiful here in Japan, and although my sarcasm may lead you to suspect the cold nights outweigh their beauty, I really do enjoy this "magical" time each year. One thing I’ll really miss is talking about them. You see, a major topic of daily discussion in Japan has always been (and always will be), the weather: "Cold today, isn't it?" "Yes, it's cold"; "There's a breeze today, isn't there?" "Yes, there is a breeze." "The Sakura are plentiful" "Yes, so they are!" Since
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