【Japanese Podcast】桜の季節 — A Japanese Guide to Hanami, Sakura & Spring

Hello everyone, I'm Yawasuke. Today, I'd like to talk about what happened yesterday. On the way home from dropping my child off at tutoring school, I suddenly passed by the kindergarten. Then, the cherry blossoms were in bloom. It was just a brief moment since I was inside the car, but pink suddenly caught my eye. Ah, I thought it's already that time of year. Up until last week, they hadn't even budded yet. A bud refers to a flower that has not yet bloomed. It's small, hard, and still feels like it's not quite ready yet. It had already bloomed. It's strange, but every year, without fail, I'm moved in exactly the same way. Therefore, today's theme is cherry blossoms and hanami. I would like to talk at length about this beautiful flower, which represents spring in Japan. So, have you seen any news about cherry blossoms recently? This year, 2026, cherry blossoms bloomed slightly earlier than usual. Flowering means the beginning of a flower's blooming. Cherry blossoms in Nagoya opened on March 17. This is seven days earlier than usual. When I heard the news that the cherry blossoms had bloomed in Nagoya, since I live in Aichi Prefecture, I thought, "Already?" In Tokyo, blooming occurred on March 19. This is also five days earlier than usual. It is expected to be in full bloom at various locations throughout Japan from this week through next week. "Full bloom" refers to the state in which all the flowers have fully opened. It's when the cherry blossoms are at their most beautiful. There is a fascinating word in Japanese. The term "sakura front." The cherry blossom front refers to the line representing the time when cherry blossoms bloom. Since Japan is a country long from north to south, cherry blossoms begin to bloom in the southern regions, and It gradually spreads further north, doesn't it? I'll show you the situation on a map, just like a weather forecast. Every March, numerous news reports about the cherry blossom front appear on television and the internet. It bloomed in Nagoya today, and tomorrow it will be Tokyo, something like that. Japanese people eagerly look forward to the blooming of the cherry blossoms in their own regions every year. Incidentally, the most common type of cherry blossom in Japan is the Somei Yoshino. The pink cherry blossom that most people envision is generally this Sokei Yoshino. The cherry blossoms of the Somei Yoshino variety bloom before the leaves appear. That's why the entire tree appears pink. Since there's no green from the leaves, only pink comes into view—and it's incredibly beautiful. But why do Japanese people love cherry blossoms so much? There are many beautiful flowers in Japan, such as plum blossoms, wisteria, and hydrangeas. But cherry blossoms are special. One reason, I think, is that the period during which cherry blossoms are in bloom is very short. The cherry blossoms typically fall off about one to two weeks after they bloom. To wither means the petals falling from the tree. It lasts only two weeks. That's precisely why I feel compelled to enjoy it right now, to experience it right now. Another reason is that cherry blossoms serve as a signal that spring has arrived. Since Japanese winters are cold, when the cherry blossoms bloom, I feel, "Ah, spring has finally arrived." The dark and cold season is ending, and the bright and warm season is beginning. Cherry blossoms symbolize this transition. A symbol is something that represents something else. The entire park turns pink, or the riverbanks become tunnels of cherry blossoms, There are very many cherry trees in Japan. The schoolyard, the park, beside the river, the temple grounds—that is, the area within the temple premises. Then, along roads throughout Japan, cherry trees are planted everywhere. That's why the entire country of Japan turns pink every spring. Then, what do you do when looking at cherry blossoms? That's right, it's cherry blossom viewing. But hanami isn't just about looking at flowers. Hanami refers to enjoying food and drinks outdoors while viewing cherry blossoms. Of course, viewing cherry blossoms while taking a walk is also considered hanami, but The cherry blossom viewing that many Japanese people envision involves laying out a sheet under a cherry tree, It's about all of us sitting together, eating bento boxes, drinking alcohol, and enjoying ourselves. In fact, the history of hanami is very old. Over a thousand years ago, during the Nara period, aristocrats—those wealthy and influential people—held gatherings to enjoy flowers. But back then, I was looking at plum blossoms, not cherry blossoms. Isn't that interesting? As the Heian period progressed, cherry blossoms gradually became more popular. During the Edo period, about 400 years ago, common people began to enjoy cherry blossoms as well. We started planting many cherry trees around the castle and along the river, and now everyone enjoys hanami together. In other words, something that originally was a pleasure only for a select few gradually became a pleasure for everyone. Nowadays, anyone can enjoy cherry blossoms for free. If you go to the park, cherry blossoms are right in front of you. When you think about it, that's actually a truly luxurious thing. That's why cherry blossom viewing has been a tradition in Japan for hundreds of years—that is, a custom that has been passed down since ancient times. Modern hanami is much more casual. Some people go to parks with their families and bring bento boxes. Some people even bring onigiri or snacks they bought at a convenience store when gathering with friends. Some people go with their coworkers. When spring comes, you see lots of sakura-flavored snacks displayed at supermarkets and convenience stores. When asked what cherry blossom flavor tastes like, it's a bit difficult to explain. If you have the chance, please give it a try. A spring-exclusive item. "Spring-exclusive" means it's sold only during the spring season. I can't help but buy it when I think I might not be able to get it again. Perhaps this too is the fleeting power of cherry blossoms—something that exists only in the present moment. Let me introduce one Japanese proverb here. There is a Japanese saying: "Dango rather than flowers." It means wanting to eat something more delicious than looking at flowers. A dango is a small, round Japanese confection made from rice flour. You know, there are people who go cherry blossom viewing but end up eating almost more than they look at the cherry blossoms. But I think that's also one of the enjoyable ways to appreciate cherry blossoms. Eating delicious food under the cherry blossoms. Just that makes me feel like the usual meal becomes something special. There is an interesting culture surrounding flower viewing. Reservation. Reserving a spot means securing a location for viewing cherry blossoms at an early hour. In popular parks, the good spots under the cherry blossom trees are quickly taken. That's why I went to the park early in the morning and laid out a mat on the ground. We're showing that this is our place. I've heard that even though cherry blossom viewing starts in the evening, some people still go to secure a spot as early as 7 or 8 in the morning. These days, the number of companies holding cherry blossom viewing events has been decreasing. It seems that such seat-taking behavior is decreasing. Speaking of flower viewing, it also brings back memories for me. There was a time when I was working at a company, and I had a picnic to enjoy the cherry blossoms at Tsuruma Park in Nagoya. I went together with the people from the company. The cherry blossoms were beautiful, but it was extremely cold overall. Nights in March are still really cold, aren't they? In the end, everyone got cold and had to leave right away. The cherry blossoms are beautiful, huh? Yeah, it's cold—should we head back? Something like that. Rather than memories of cherry blossom viewing, I more strongly remember the cold. So this is an important piece of advice from me. Please make sure to wear warm clothes when going for a flower viewing. Please be careful if you're drinking alcohol outdoors, especially in the evening and at night. I feel like my body gets warmer when I drink alcohol. Actually, your body temperature is actually dropping. You can become chilled without noticing, so absorbed in the fun. Many people catch a cold after cherry blossom viewing. It's sad to fall ill with a cold the day after enjoying a delightful cherry blossom viewing. Take one extra top. Prepare a warm drink. Take a knee blanket. I think you'll be able to enjoy cherry blossom viewing with peace of mind if you prepare to this extent. Please take care not to catch a cold. Now, for those of you who feel like going on a cherry blossom viewing outing, let's talk about some practical matters. First, let me introduce a few famous cherry blossom viewing spots. In Tokyo, Ueno Park might be the most famous. There are about 800 cherry blossom trees in Ueno Park. Every year, many people come to enjoy the cherry blossoms. Another popular spot is the Meguro River, where cherry trees line both sides of the river. I think it's easy to get to, as it's just a short walk from Nakameguro Station. It's really beautiful to walk along the river while looking at the cherry blossoms. Shinjuku Gyoen charges an admission fee, but it's spacious and perfect for relaxing. It's recommended for those who are uncomfortable in crowded places, where there are many people. In Osaka, Osaka Castle Park is famous, and in Nagoya, Tenmangu Park and Nagoya Castle are well known. Now, let me introduce one of my personal recommendations here. Tokyo University of Science, located in Ōokayama, Tokyo. It used to be called Tokyo Institute of Technology, but the name has changed. Actually, it's the university I attended during my graduate studies. Even during my graduate school days, beautiful cherry blossoms would bloom on campus every spring. Since it's a university, ordinary people are also allowed to enter. I don't think it's that crowded compared to famous cherry blossom viewing spots. I think you can enjoy the cherry blossoms at your own pace. The scene of cherry blossoms blooming alongside students walking by has a certain youthful feel to it—it's really nice. If you're in Tokyo, please do visit. It's fine even if it's not a famous place. Cherry blossoms are in bloom, whether in a nearby small park or along the riverside path. I think what matters is not going to a special place, but seeing the cherry blossoms and feeling spring. I'll introduce some convenient items to bring when going cherry blossom viewing. First, a picnic mat. This refers to a sheet placed on the ground. It's also sold at 100-yen stores. Then a warm drink. Since March is still a bit cold, it's nice to have warm tea or coffee. Also, wet wipes. My hands tend to get dirty when eating outdoors. Don't forget the garbage bag either. In Japan, it is considered proper etiquette to take your own trash home when enjoying hanami (flower viewing). Let's make sure to dispose of our trash properly in the park's trash bins and then leave. I'll also say a few words about the timing of flower viewing. Cherry blossoms look beautiful in the sunlight during daytime viewing. If you're going as a family, I think daytime would be better. On the other hand, night cherry blossoms are also popular. "Night cherry blossoms" refers to viewing cherry blossoms illuminated at night. The cherry blossoms illuminated by light have a completely different atmosphere from daytime, and they're truly magical. Fantasy is something mysterious and beautiful, like being inside a dream. Many people go on dates to this place too. The night cherry blossoms are cold. As I mentioned a moment ago, nights in March are still quite cold. Please don't forget warm clothing. I just said that cherry blossoms last from one to two weeks. It seems that Japanese people particularly feel a special beauty in the idea of falling or withering. It's sad when ordinary flowers wither, isn't it? It's a pity, it bloomed so beautifully, and now it's already over? But many Japanese people feel that the falling cherry blossoms are beautiful. This is actually a very important concept in Japanese aesthetics—the sensibility of what is considered beautiful. Things that are imperfect and have an end are more beautiful than those that are perfect. There is indeed such a feeling in Japanese culture. In Japan, there is the concept of "mono no aware." "Mono no aware" refers to a poignant emotional response felt when witnessing the fleeting beauty of things. "Sadness" refers to a complex emotion that is sorrowful yet simultaneously felt as beautiful. Cherry blossoms are truly a flower that evokes the poignant beauty of transience. The cherry blossoms in full bloom are beautiful. The cherry blossoms drifting away in the wind are just as beautiful. Perhaps some people might find the falling cherry blossoms more beautiful. Do you have this kind of feeling in your countries too? Something beautiful that ends too soon. That is precisely why it feels so precious. Perhaps, even if the forms are different, there might be similar feelings. Now we've reached the end of today's discussion as well. There is a Japanese phrase called "ichigo ichie." Ichi-go ichi-e means cherishing each encounter as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It originally came from the slang of the underworld, but nowadays it's widely used. I think it's important to cherish this sense of "once-in-a-lifetime" encounter even when viewing cherry blossoms. This year's cherry blossoms are unique to this year alone. It might already be starting to fade by next week. That's precisely why we should really take the time to look at this cherry blossom carefully right now. Please enjoy this year's cherry blossoms as well. I wish everyone in Japan would go outside and see the cherry blossoms. Thank you for listening today as well. If this video was helpful, please consider subscribing to the channel and giving it a like. See you in the next video. Bye-bye.