Finally, the ‘first bloom’ of cherry blossom as been announced in Tokyo on Wednesday morning. 10 days earlier than normal, this is the earliest first bloom tied with 2020 and 2021 in the record.
In Japan, cherry blossom celebrations have been a custom for generations.
Cherry trees were first planted in Washington, DC, in 1912 as a friendship present from the people of Japan to the people of the United States.
The “Sakura,” or flowering cherry tree, is a significant flowering shrub in Japan. In Japanese society, the cherry blossom is a symbol with deep significance.
History
Since their pink blossoms first started to appear in Japanese poetry and picture scrolls in the eighth century. The term “cherry blossom” in Japanese is “sakura,” and for more than a thousand years. Japanese families have welcomed spring with hanami, or “flower gazing.”
The 17th-century poet Basho captured the charm of hanami in a haiku:
A lovely spring night
suddenly vanished while we
viewed cherry blossoms
Malott, who was a former head of Japanese Affairs at the U.S. State Department and held diplomatic positions in Kobe and Osaka, Japan, explains that the cherry blossom season in Japan corresponds with a time of rebirth and fresh starts. Moreover, for Japanese students, the new school year begins in April, and for Japanese businesses, the new fiscal year begins in April.
The custom of picnicking beneath cherry blossoms is a component of hanami. Japanese families and friends compete for picnic places under a canopy of pink blossoms from the middle of March through April, and businesses host boisterous, sake-fueled events that last well into the night.
Folklore
“The Old Man Who Made the Dead Trees Blossom” is a Japanese folk story. A a man who scatters ashes on Sakura trees and causes them to bloom.
Best cherry blossom desserts and drinks in Tokyo
Toraya Sakura Mochi
The exquisite sakura mochi from wagashi expert Toraya is a perennial favorite. The classic Japanese confection is made of red bean paste. Encased in a thin coating of pink mochi that followed by a salted sakura leaf.
Antenor sakura mont blanc
Instead of the usual chestnut, this pink mont blanc from Antenor is made with sakura and bean paste, strawberry confiture, fresh cream and salted cherry blossoms.
Lindt Cherry Blossom Chocolates
These cherry blossom-themed Lindor treats are made with a white chocolate shell. And enhanced with small pink and what’s more, red speckles of strawberry powder.
Funabashiya sakura kuzumochi pudding
This sakura kuzumochi pudding is a seasonal twist on Funabashiya’s traditional Japanese dessert. The sweet treat features classic kuzumochi topped with a cherry jelly in addition to a delicate sakura flower.
