2024.04.26

Cherry blossom season in Japan 2024

桜・Cherry blossom season in Japan.

Thoughts of Sakura

桜の季節・Cherry blossom season

One of the most famous images of Japan is “Sakura” or cherry blossoms. In Japan, we can easily feel the arrival of the four seasons—Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter.

Although the seasons are shifting somewhat due to the effects of global warming, the cherry blossoms bloomed again this year to announce the coming of Spring. The Japanese media report the “Blossoming Statement” (i.e. 10% bloom, 70% bloom, full bloom) which is announced by each district and institution based on the condition of the cherry tree that they are observing. This information, called the “cherry blossom front”, is covered by nation-wide news programs and Japanese people enjoy watching the front rise gradually from the south to the north of Japan every Spring.

The lifespan of the cherry flower is only 1 to 2 weeks. The blossoms remind us to look up, walk proudly and to smile. The mindfulness and healing of the cherry blossoms end with a cherry blizzard. But even from the moment the flowers scatter, the cherry trees are already providing us with the next joy, in the form of “new buds”. One by one like a new breath, the vivid and moving pale green buds open up. The young life sways with the wind, scatters the sun’s rays into dappled light on the ground. Although we are breathing every day, we tend to forget to take in “deep breaths which reaches our hearts” and we are reminded to inhale plenty of air into our bodies. Deep breaths which send oxygen to the tips of our fingers and toes fill us with courage and hope. The cherry trees stake their lives to give us teachings which are moving and healing.

The lifespan of the cherry tree is said to be 80 years which is now about the same as human beings. Their dedicated and beautiful contribution is now spreading not only in Japan but to all parts of the world. It gives us utmost pleasure to share this Japanese joy with people around the world through “Sakura”. Take a hint from the “cherry blossom front” for your trip to Japan next year.

Japan-search.jp CEO AMIYMORI