The gentle warmth of spring coaxes forth the long-awaited cherry blossoms.
A delicate pink carpet, dancing in the breeze, stirs a tender warmth within our hearts.
Precisely because their beauty is fleeting, it becomes all the more poignant.
Beneath the blossoms, as if cherishing their ephemeral existence, we exchange smiles and share stories.
But let’s pause for a moment and ponder: Why are we so captivated by the cherry blossoms? Why is the image of “hanami” (flower viewing) so inextricably linked to the sakura in our minds?
The truth is, perhaps only a handful of Japanese truly know the reasons why.
During a visit to a professor of folklore and cultural anthropology at a national university, I uncovered some astonishing facts.
What untold stories lie hidden within that special feeling we unconsciously experience beneath the fully bloomed cherry trees? What are the unknown charms of the sakura that continue to fascinate us?
If the cherry blossom scenery you’ve casually observed until now held deeper meaning and narratives, wouldn’t you want to know the truth?
Come, join our small circle of those in the know, and let’s unravel together the surprising and insightful tale of the cherry blossoms and hanami, as revealed by the professor.
