Cherry Blossoms 花見

  There is perhaps no better sign of spring beginning than seeing flowers bloom. Seeing that first flower open lets you know that winter is finally over, and that life is coming back to the world. The advent of spring in Japan however, is less a subtle opening of one or two daffodils, and more a massive explosion of pink that sweeps over the country-side like some kind festively decorated army. Of course I’m talking about Sakura, the famous Japanese Cherry Blossoms, that cover the landscape of Japan from starting from late March to early May.

  咲いている花ほどの春のきざしはないと思います。最初開けた花を見ると、冬が終わって、世界がすぐ生き返るということを知らせます。しかし日本で春の訪れは花一個か二個が開くことよりピンクの爆発できざしされます。もちろんこれは桜の話をしています。

  Long considered an important symbol of Japan, Sakura trees exist in great numbers everywhere from Okinawa to Hokkaido, and their flowering is met with much rejoicing and excitement. When the Sakura trees are in full bloom, many Japanese go out and enjoy hanami, literally, “flower viewing.” Hanami can range from a relaxing stroll under some Sakura trees to a rowdy picnic and party in a park, but whatever the method, the practice is extremely popular in Japan.

長い間大切なシンボルと思われている桜は沖縄から北海道まで多数あるが、開花期は興奮して受け入れられます。そして桜が満開になると、多くの方が花見に行きます。花見はのんびり散歩から騒々しいピックニックとパーティーまでもあるが、どんな方法であれ、日本では大人気な瞬間です。

  Since the weather was so nice this past weekend, a friend and I trekked down to Nara to wander around and do some Hanami. We were clearly far from the only ones with this idea though, as Nara city was jam-packed with people enjoying the Sakura and weather.

  先週末天気は凄く良かったから、友達と一緒に奈良で花見しに行きました。行こうと思っていたのは私らだけじゃなくて、奈良市が桜といい天気を楽しむ人達でにぎわっていました。

  Seika has quite a few Sakura trees as well, and they’ve even bloomed in front of the Town Office.

  精華町に桜が結構多いし、精華町役場前にも咲いていました。