A Passion for Cherry Blossoms

A Passion for Cherry Blossoms

Posted by Momoko Kagamizu on 5th Mar 2015

reporters presenting forecast of the northward march of cherry blossoms front (sakura zensen)

In Japan, passion for cherry blossoms run deeps and anticipating their arrival every spring borders on a national obsession.

Pictures above are from nightly news national TV broadcasts in early March. The reporters are presenting a detailed forecast of the cherry blossom front (sakura zensen) moving north.

The first blossoms begin to bloom in Okinawa, Japan's southernmost main island. We are in Miyazaki in southern Kyushu. According to the latest forecasts, cherry blossoms will be in full bloom here between March 22nd and 25th this year.

Soon it will be time for hanami (flower viewing) picnics under cherry blossoms with family and friends.

Beauty which Cannot be Possessed

Cherry blossoms are delicate, beautiful, and very impermanent. They grace us with their beauty for just a few short days and remind us of the fleeting nature of life.

The beauty of cherry blossoms is not only in their presence, but also in them making us feel their imminent absence.

You can't possess a cherry blossom. All you can do is appreciate it for the brief while it's here and then say goodbye.

Perhaps the pretty cherry blossoms teach us how to fully appreciate life — not by wanting to possess, but by letting go.