sakura 054

桜 [Sakura] Time!

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March 21st 2013
We got word last week from several students that the cherry blossoms had opened early. Normally, "optimum" viewing time is the first week in April, generally April 1-10, but this year, the blossoms opened over a week ahead of schedule, which really threw off everybody's "hanami" parties. This also includes my days off, that I specifically took to be during sakura time, but hah ... read more

Asia » Japan » Tokyo

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In 1603, a Tokugawa shogunate (military dictatorship) ushered in a long period of isolation from foreign influence in order to secure its power. For 250 years this policy enabled Japan to enjoy stability and a flowering of its indigenous culture. Fol... ... read more