In Japan they don't celebrate Easter but springtime in Japan is when everything goes Cherry Blossom (Sakura) crazy. The cherry blossom is Japan's unofficial national flower. It has been celebrated for many centuries and takes a very prominent position in Japanese culture. Around late March the whole nation excitedly waits for the first buds to appear on cherry trees. The 'sakura-zensen, the 'cherry-blossom-front' works slowly northwards from the south islands until it finally reaches the northern tip of Hokkaido in May and the whole process is broadcast on television rather like a weather report showing different areas of the country as various shades of pink depending on the status of their cherry blossoms. Accompanying the front are hanami, the 'flower-viewing' parties celebrating these short-lived blooms. Everywhere in Tokyo is pink at the moment; even the Kit Kats have gone pink!
Sakura
In Japan they don't celebrate Easter but springtime in Japan is when everything goes Cherry Blossom (Sakura) crazy. The cherry blossom is Japan's unofficial national flower. It has been celebrated for many centuries and takes a very prominent position in Japanese culture. Around late March the whole nation excitedly waits for the first buds to appear on cherry trees. The 'sakura-zensen, the 'cherry-blossom-front' works slowly northwards from the south islands until it finally reaches the northern tip of Hokkaido in May and the whole process is broadcast on television rather like a weather report showing different areas of the country as various shades of pink depending on the status of their cherry blossoms. Accompanying the front are hanami, the 'flower-viewing' parties celebrating these short-lived blooms. Everywhere in Tokyo is pink at the moment; even the Kit Kats have gone pink!
Posted by anna on April 13, 2008 2:39 AM
Your Comments