Sakura or the cherry blossom is the national flower of Japan and is considered by most Japanese their favorite flowers. Spring is the time for Hanami where Japanese gather and held parties in the open air under the cherry blossoms. It is more like having picnic out in the park, except that during cherry blossoms season, most parks are filled with people doing various activities other than just having picnics.A recent TV program showed that activities held during hanami have changed over the decades. Prior to 1970s Japanese people enjoyed outdoor dancing and singing at hanami parties. In the 1970s singing like in karaoke replaced dancing. In 1980s playing famous animation characters is the common show during hanami. In the 1990s people started to commercialize such a show, so you can find individual stands where they perform for public, whereas in the past you would see such performances done by a member in the group during the party itself. In recent years most people enjoy a more simple hanami by having outdoor picnics, drinking and talking. There are fewer performances outdoor.
In the past many hanami parties were held among workers in the company, whereas nowadays they are more held among closed friends. The custom of going to the park to reserve the best location for hanami parties was common in the past, which was in most cases done by the newly graduate workers.
In Tokyo area Yoyogi Park, Shinjuku Gyoen and Ueno Park have the best collection of cherry blossoms. Some people, like me, enjoy hanami at a nearby park just a few minutes walk from home. After all the key to a wonderful hanami is "the food"-> a delicious bento (lunch box), a warm sake for appetizer and sakura mochi for dessert. For recipes of bento (left) check out http://cook4health.blogspot.com/
Get a better feeling about hanami in Japan:
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