Sakura Season

Typical, the day the sister flies home (hopefully without a 24 hour delay this time,) the Kobe blossom seems to be reaching full bloom and are forecast to be at their peak next week.

To the Japanese, these blossoms are a symbol of spring and new beginnings for many people. The Japanese financial year and the academic year start in April. Students also graduate during this time, and start new jobs.

Part of the tradition of at this time of year is hanami - picnics under the sakura with friends or family, enjoying food and sometimes sake. I'm told it's socially acceptable to be more than a little tipsy at a hanami... Kampai blippers!

In the cherry blossom's shade
there's no such thing
as a stranger.
Kobayashi Issa