Snow and Cherry Blossom in Tokyo TODAY
Hi everyone! Hannah again! My Dad is currently in Tokyo to take care of his parents. He sent me this photo. IT IS SNOWING! It is cherry blossom season in Tokyo, but rather than cherry petals flying, you see snow in the photo. In Japanese, we call Sakura (cherry) Fubuki (snow storm) when cherry petals are flying like snow. However, this time, it is real snow. A bit too early for cherry blossoms (you see small cherry tree on this photo)
This bridge is called SAKURA Bashi. It is like a park on the to of Sumida river, no cars are allowed. Hundreds of Sakura trees are planted both side of the river. You see the bottom of Tokyo Skytree on the other end. Also, Choumeiji Temple is on the other side. It is the original place for SAKURA Mochi, a popular sweets in Japan, and I love it! It said that the monk of the temple invented Sakura Mochi in 1717. Mochi is wrapped by pickled (salted) cherry leaves. The aroma and taste of cherry leaves go very well with sweetness of ANKO (sweet beans inside). In Kansai, Domyoji style Sakyra mochi is more popular. Sakura bridge is very close to where the interns will stay this summer. I will take you to that place on the second day of your arrival and you can all try Sakura Mochi before visiting Tokyo Skytree.
My Dad told me that strong wind broke his umbrella. The strong wind in Spring is called “Haru (Spring) Ichiban (number one)”, a spring storm. It is the sign of the beginning of the new season. In Japan, Spring is the beginning of new school year. It is also a graduation season. People like to take photo with their graduation dress and cherry blossoms.
Cherry blossom is very special for Japanese people. Inazo Nitobe, a noble Japanese politician before World War II (he served as the deputy secretary general of League of Nations (pre-war United Nations). He wrote a book called “Bushido” (The Way of Samurai). At the beginning of the book, he writes, “Chivalry is a flower no less indigenous to the soil of Japan than cherry blossom”. What he meant is that cherry blossom lasts very short period of time but it enlightens and brightens people. It gives hope and meaning to the life for Samurai. Even if your life is short, how it impacts others is more important. Being Samurai is a way to live and willingness to sacrifice your soul for the good of people.
My grandfather told me that our ancestor was Samurai who was a clan of Fujiwara during 14th century, During Edo period, they became Fudasashi (investment banker - rend money for the future of rice that Daimyo receive at the end of the year). After Meiji revolution, my ancestor started business as a whole seller of stationary items. The shop was called Harukiya (Spring Tree). They were one of the largest supplier to the imperial Japanese government before the war. However, on March 10th 1945, everyone except for my grandfather was perished by Tokyo Bombing. When you come to Japan, probably my grandfather will talk about that story. Any ways, Spring is special season for my family.
