Commentary by Hank F. Miller Jr.
The first Week in APRIL is the best time to view cherry blossoms in Kitakyushu City, Japan.
The Japanese has a special affection for the cherry tree with its transient blossom.
Nothing excites Japanese people the way cherry blossoms do. Cherry blossoms are one thing that Japanese people are very proud of.
They can\’t help but smile when someone mentions the magic word: o-hanami=cherry blossoms. The subject of cherry blossom viewing has long occupied an important place in Japanese fine arts and literature.
Even today cherry blossom viewing is very popular among the Japanese. When cherry blossoms are at their best, groups of friends or business colleagues arrange picnics under the trees in popular viewing sites such as Ueno Park in Tokyo, and there are many famous viewing places throughout Japan.
Here in Kitakyushu City there are very many places to view cherry blossoms, in fact about a five minute walk there is a park with beautiful cherry trees. Cherry blossoms under a clear, blue sky are most beautiful, and when seen at night by lights shining up through the blossoms they are most beautiful, they are really very enchanting.
Some people enjoy their beauty in a quieter mood; while others spread straw mats under the trees on the ground and go on drinking, eating, dancing etc. they go on a singing spree till the wee hours. For many Japanese, cherry blossom viewing is merely a pretext for having a drink at an outdoor party long into the night.
I have to admit that, under their spell, it is difficult not to see the radiant beauty of these lovely trees. But, as any Japanese will tell you, the reason any flower is so beautiful is because it is so temporary, so fleeting.
Yearly we too, Keiko and I look forward to walking to the park near our home and picnic under the trees, it\’s so relaxing to be among the beautiful cherry trees.
Warm Regards from Kitakyushu City, Japan
Hank F. Miller Jr.
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