It was a bit misty, but a sunny day today. As you may know, spring in Japan is represented by cherry blossoms. At the beginning of April, the weather was a little chilly, and we couldn't see many cherry blossoms. However, it seems that spring suddenly decided to arrive last week.
Japanese people have a deep affection for cherry blossoms. In almost every school, company, and public institute with yards, you'll find at least one cherry tree. It's not just the artificially planted ones; when you stroll through Japanese local towns, you'll notice numerous pink clouds adorning the mountainsides, most of which are cherry trees. Plum trees, which boast similar blossoms, have been cherished by the Japanese for centuries. However, since their flourishing season coincides with graduations and school entrances, cherry blossoms in spring are firmly associated with the themes of "farewell" and "new beginnings".
Today, I walked alongside the Minase River, and the scenery was unmistakably spring! I saw many people enjoying small parties with their friends or family under the fully bloomed cherry trees, or simply strolling, drawn in by the warmth of spring. Even in the evening, around 8:00 PM, many were still out for a stroll, taking pictures, or relaxing on the benches, fully immersed in this annual seasonal event.
I asked SCEA members to share their spring memories and received many photos. (Photos are under the Japanese article) I'm sharing some of them below, so please enjoy! How about coming to our town to experience the local spring joy next spring? We would love to welcome you!
今日は少しモヤがかかっているものの、晴れた日となりました。ご存じの通り、日本の春といえばやはり桜です。４月の初めまでは少々肌寒く、桜もあまり咲いていなかったのですが、先週から突然春が到来しました。
日本人は桜が好きです。ほとんどすべての学校に、そして会社や公的施設など庭がある場所には必ず一本くらいは桜が植わっていると思います。そしてそのように人工的に植えられたものだけでなく、日本の田舎町を歩けば、山の中にピンク色の雲のようなものを見つけることができるでしょう。それらのほとんどは、桜の一種です。似たような花をつける梅の木も、古来から日本人に愛されてきましたが、その花の咲く時期が卒業や入学といった行事と重なることもあり、桜は「別れ」「始まり」をイメージする春の花なのです。
今日は水無瀬川のほとりを歩いてみたのですが、先週と違い、景色は完全に春のものになっていました！ 友人や家族と満開の桜の下でささやかなパーティを開いている人や、単に春の陽気に誘われて散歩をしている人をたくさん見かけましたよ。午後８時を過ぎた夜になっても、まだ散歩をしたり写真を撮ったり、ベンチに腰掛けてのんびりと春を楽しんでいる人たちがいました。
協会のメンバーにもおねがいして、それぞれが楽しんだ春の写真を送ってもらったのでシェアします。あなた方も、島本に小さな春を探しに来ませんか？ 歓迎しますよ！！
Comments