It’s easy to see why the start of co-op couldn’t have been at a better time. Jake and I both arrived on the edge of Spring (I say edge because it snowed yesterday). This means that we arrived just in time for hanami (花見 or flower viewing) and the blooming of the Sakura (cherry blossoms). I’ve been putting my amateur photography skills to the test, and hopefully I can adequately explain how amazing this event really is. For about two weeks, people cram themselves on trains and shuttle to parks (公園 or koen) to stretch out their previously frozen legs. I met a man last weekend that described it most elegantly. He said that at this point (the end of winter) the Japanese are absolutely sick of the cold. Sakura represent refreshed hope for warm weather and the end of the treacherous winter.
To see the Sakura in person is absolutely amazing. When the leaves fall, it is as if it’s raining, and the wind blows to create an otherworldly experience. Families sit under the Sakura and have picnics, chat, or nap. It is quite a sight to behold.
At my company, we had an amazing hanami festival, with many types of food (even Pizza Hut!!). I’ll talk more about work later, but here’s the company picture, in our recreation field which is surrounded by Sakura. I’m somewhere on the right side of the giant H, towards the center.
Feel free to look through the rest of my photos here.