The K Experience

Sakura Season

Past - Japan

Saturday, 29 March 2008

Every year around spring time in Japan, the social phenomenon of Hanami (花見, flower watching) hits the nation. The weather forecasts around this time concentrate on Sakura sightings, and report on which parts of Japan are blooming, whether it's early or late, and predict which regions will have sakura sightings next. Millions of people take time out to enjoy nature and watch the blooming flowers. It may seem strange to many not familiar with the practice, but Hanami is not just concerned with the aesthetic nature of the Cherry Blossoms, but also its philosophical meaning behind it...

Not sure if I have already mentioned, but while in Japan, I had the privilage of living right next to one of the most amazing parks in the prefecture, Kojo Koen. It housed a zoo, a gym and many other sites.

It also had the most beautiful display of Sakura you could imagine. Every year, the residents of Takaoka, would come out, with friends and family, have a picnic, listen to music and enjoy the flowers.

The cherry blossom has a deep philosophical meaning connected to 物の哀れ (mono no aware) literally translated as "an empathy toward things", and symbolizes the transience of the blossoms. The Cherry Blossoms bloom only once a year, and at that time they seem to change the landscape in such a profound and beautiful way. However, the life of the flowers is as short as it is beautiful. The flowers last only a week or two, and then the white leaves fall from the trees only to return the following year.

"The extreme beauty and quick death, has often been associated with mortality" [Choy Lee, Khoon]

So as the Sakura season hits japan, it is like a breath of nature sweeping across the nation leaving a mark of beauty which livens the nation, but lasts only a short while.

The Sakura season started in Tokyo on March 22nd, and is expected to hit its final location Aomori on April 22nd. Lasting roughly two weeks in each location, it is expected to end early may, to return again spring of next year.

Check out the other Sakura Pictures in the Gallery