Sakura

Spring is a magical time in Japan for a number of reasons, but chief among them is the arrival of the cherry blossoms (sakura). Depending on where you are in Japan, the blossoms will most likely arrive between late-March and mid-April, though Okinawa can see them as early as January and in Hokkaido they have to wait until May. Japan's Meteorological Agency tracks the cherry blossom front (sakura zensen) as it spreads across Japan and its advance is reported by major news agencies. (And not just in Japan. Last year, I noticed even BBC News in the UK reporting on the spread of cherry blossoms across Japan.)

You have to be quick if you want to see the blossoms, though, since they only bloom for a week or so. As I type this, the cherry blossoms in my area have fallen like snow with only a few determined stragglers still clinging to the branches.

Cherry blossoms are ephemeral. They shine brightly, but die so very quickly, in a way that seems to symbolise our own mortality. In the eighteenth century, Japanese writer Motoori Norinaga coined the term "mono no aware" (an empathy towards things) to describe an awareness of the impermanence of all things and the gentle sadness felt towards their passing and towards the realities of life. The cherry blossom is a symbol of Japan and can be found in music and art both ancient and modern.

Hanami is the Japanese tradition of flower viewing. It can be as simple as a stroll through a park, but it often involves a picnic or barbecue party under the blossoming cherry trees. Since the best picnic spots are heavily fought over, it is not uncommon places to be reserved long before the party begins. A picnic sheet is spread in the early morning and someone is left to stand guard over it all day until the rest of the group arrive after work.

As well as being beautiful, cherry blossoms are also edible and are used as ingredients in many Japanese recipes (especially sweets).

(Photos taken in Toyohashi Park and Mukaiyama Park in Toyohashi.)