In Japanese, “hanami” means “flower viewing.” Specifically, it refers to the time of year when everyone goes out on a picnic to sit under the sakura (cherry blossoms) and have a party. The flowers only bloom for a week or two before being blown away by wind or rain; Japanese people see sakura as being symbolic of the brevity of life.

The first photo is from the private university just up the street from where I live. The other two are from Nishi-koen (park) where I had a small party with some friends last Sunday.

Tohoku Fukushi University

Sakura

Hanami crowds

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