Spring is amongst us which means its time for the Japanese tradition of "Hanami" (flower viewing) For the Japanese the flower "Sakura" (cherry blossoms) holds a special place in their hearts. This flower which sprouts in huge amounts on Sakura trees withers away just as quickly as it blooms. With Sakura you only got a few good weeks,much like many things in this ever passing life we live in.
The Hanami party is an event in which people gather around Sakura spots with "Bentos" (Japanese style lunch boxes)lots of drinks, and friends and family. The goal seems to just enjoy life at that moment while surrounded by a flower who's only purpose in its short life seems to be to bring these people together. As this is my first time in Japan during this season it was also my first time to experience Hanami, and not 1 but 3 parties that I attended. I have never seen so many people, especially here in Tokushima in one place before as I did at these parties. The parks were littered with an insane amount of people (as well as trash) For a moment I thought I had stumbled back into Tokyo. It was a pleasant site to behold as I watched smiles develop on faces and laughter erupt. My parties were those of work or International Associations in which I didn't really know anyone, but I manage to meet a few people and most importantly experience a tradition I had heard about for quite some time. By next year I hope to have some really close friends to enjoy it with. For now the Sakura has blown away with the wind, as if it was only a dream. A pretty pink and white dream.
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