April is seen as the beginning of Spring,
and for many the beginning of the "new
year". School children move up from
one school year to the next, government workers
often change their jobs, and new university
graduates join their new companies.
This all takes place under the backdrop of
the glorious Sakura, or Cherry Blossom, trees
which come to bloom in early April.
Now that the weather is getting milder after
the cold winter, people in Japan take this
opportunity to participate in hanami - the
art of flower viewing. Traditionally this
has involved people practicing Japanese arts
such as koto or poetry.
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A temple in Tamagawa Town, Ehime.
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However, in more recent times, the traditional
arts have given way to parties with friends
or workmates. The most junior member of the
workplace is often given the task of waking
up early, in order to reserve a place under
the most beautiful trees. Public places are
often packed solid with people enjoying some
of the most pleasant scenery and weather
that Japan has to offer.
Richard
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