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With Cherry Blossoms

　Many people probably think of “cherry blossoms” when they think of Japanese flowers. The momentary beauty of its light red petals dancing in the spring breeze, blooming and then quickly falling. The cherry blossoms have fascinated the hearts of Japanese people since ancient times. Cherry blossoms are more than just plants. We feel impermanence in their blooming and find transience in their waning.

■Farewell to Cherry Blossoms, Encounter with Cherry Blossoms 　In Kansai, the best time to view cherry blossoms is from late March to early April. Many people seem to enjoy the beauty of cherry blossoms at cherry blossom viewing spots such as Osaka Castle Park, Philosopher's Path, Akashi Park, Yutaka Park, Nara Park, and Wakayama Castle. However, cherry blossoms in Kansai are not just spring flowers. They may also symbolize the season of separation. 　In late March, graduation ceremonies are held at many schools. This is the time of year when students say goodbye to friends and teachers as the cherry blossoms come into full bloom. The last words and tears exchanged amidst the snowstorm of flowers are deeply connected with the memory of cherry blossoms. On the other hand, the role of cherry blossoms differs depending on the region. For example, in the Tohoku region and Hokkaido, cherry blossoms bloom later, from late April to May (I am from Aomori Prefecture. Hirosaki Castle, famous for its cherry blossoms, is also in season around GW). Here, cherry blossoms are spoken of as flowers that symbolize blessings of new life and new encounters. Cherry blossoms weave a variety of stories depending on the position of the viewer and local customs. This is probably one of the reasons why this flower is so special to the Japanese. As a flower that accompanies people on their farewells and celebrates their encounters, the cherry blossom is a flower that accepts and accompanies a wide range of emotions.

■Early-blooming cherry blossoms - the joy of anticipating spring 　Somei-Yoshino is (probably) the most common variety of cherry blossom in Japan, but there are many other varieties. Among them, early-blooming varieties are the ones that give us an early taste of spring. Early-blooming cherry trees called “Kanzakura,” as the name suggests, begin blooming in the cold winter season. At Hirano Shrine in Kyoto, one of the best places to view the cherry blossoms, you can see them three weeks to a month earlier than the normal cherry blossom viewing season. The special feeling of enjoying hanami in the still chilly air is unique to early-blooming cherry blossoms. 　The cold cherry blossoms are like a reminder to people that spring is just around the corner. The sight of their pale petals makes one hopeful for the end of winter and the beginning of a new season. Cherry blossoms have the power to remind us of the changing seasons. The early-blooming cherry blossoms are also an important part of the story of spring, bringing it to us a little earlier.

■Japanese who live with cherry blossoms 　Cherry blossoms are not just a flower to be “seen. They are flowers that stay close to people's hearts and carve memories. Farewells and encounters, hopes and fragility, joy and sadness - they encompass it all. That is why cherry blossoms are indispensable to the Japanese people. 　During the cherry blossom season, people feel the spring in their hearts even more than usual, and conversations naturally take place. Spending time under the cherry blossoms in full bloom is a moment when nature and people become one. It is in these moments that we are reminded of the joy of living. 　Why don't you spend this spring with the cherry blossoms? Each fleeting yet beautiful petal will surely weave a new story in your heart. And that story actually begins even when the cherry blossoms are not in bloom.

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Self-Introduction

Nice to meet you. My name is HISUREBA(JAPANESE). I chose this name from a passage in Zeami's ��Fu-shi-ka-den” (“The Tale of the Wind and the Flowers”), which says, “If you keep a secret, it will become a flower; if you do not keep a secret, it should not become a flower. I feel that this phrase (which I am sure can be interpreted in many ways) suggests the importance of the profundity of things and at the same time contains a deep philosophy and thought that “the essence of value resides in the unseen places. Through this notebook, I would like to share with you some new perspectives and impressions while confronting such profound words, thoughts, and philosophies (with some joking stories woven in). I hope to bring you some new perspectives and impressions.

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Fond of Scandinavian goods, Japanese crafts, perfumes, tea, and sake. Research of Japanese classical languages ⇒ Instructor of ancient and Chinese literature at prep schools⇒ HR (venture/start-up) / human resources/organizational development ⇒ research of organizational theory/liberal arts.