Cherry Blossoms

Suddenly I understand Cherry Blossom Season. All the hype is not only justified, but its actually downplaying the real importance of this lovely season in Japan. A change occurs in Japanese culture coinciding with the emergence of a beautiful snow, powered by fluttering pink floral. This time actually has little to do with the blooming flowers, coming to life in random city streets and train views that create a floor of pink petals during each March and April across Japan. It's about so much more. I've found Cherry Blossoms to be a catalyst for mental freedom spread across Tokyo. Its as if the beauty surrounding someone when they're walking underneath a cherry blossomed walk-way is too powerful to allow unhappiness, and in this way the Japanese seriousness that can translate as coldness to an outsider dissipates some, and Tokyo is a whole new place.

Everyone was telling me to go see the Cherry Blossoms, though I will admit I didn't understand all this hype and couldn't imagine that it would actually live up to the expectation people had created for me. Oh, how wrong I was! My first weekend back in Japan I went to Shinjuku Gardens, a huge garden in the heart of Tokyo that I had discovered last winter right as I was leaving. Cherry Blossoms are beautiful, lush trees lining the streets, which when in bloom can create an archway of pinkish tones, ranging from an almost pure white to an almost deep purple. The most amazing thing is that the petals fly everywhere with the wind and once landed they cover the ground in a sea of pink. People stop and gaze up at them everywhere.

I just learned the Japanese word "hanami," which is the noun used for a picnic with friends that includes cherry blossom viewing. Well, Shinjuku Gardens was smothered in hanami, and for the first time I've been able to walk through Tokyo seeing hundreds of Japanese people outwardly expressing happiness. This is a closed culture where people are expected not to interact with strangers, be unique or expressive, where everything is done with a consciousness of not disrespecting your neighbor. Sadly, this cultural attitude tanslates as a deep seriousness and unhappiness to someone used to Western ways. So, finally, I return in the spring and am able to find a Japan where people are smiling, laughing, playing games and wandering through this maze of beauty. To be in Tokyo and have people smile at me, ask me to take their picture and the like was such a great way to re-enter this country. I even passed one guy who had his ear phones in and for a second I even think I heard him singing under his breath, the very thing my dear friend Ayano said shocked her so about being in America.