Sakura

Since we first moved to Japan I have heard a lot of talk about the infamous sakura (cherry blossoms). Sakura is a common girl's name here in Japan. On Friday one of my students asked me if anybody is named Sakura in the United States. The idea of someone named Cherry Blossom made me laugh and we then discussed the differences between names in Japan vs the US. Later at home, Jason reminded me that there are people named Blossom (I can only remember Punky Brewster's friend or is that a separate show?) and he named many people with the last name Cherry, so I guess it isn't that funny after all.

Recently I read hundreds of introduction essays and many students wrote that they love spring, because of the cherry blossoms. I also have learned that not only does the school year begin in the spring, but springtime and the blooming of cherry blossoms is considered a time of new beginnings in Japan. This weekend they are out full force and there is a cherry blossom festival at the main park in Akita City, Senshu Park. Yesterday we drove to Kakunodate to see the cherry blossoms and decided they are prettier in Akita City. Yesterday was gloomy, but today the weather is sunny and warm. Probably the prettiest day of the year so far.

Some people asked me about cherry blossom festivals and picnics in the states and I said we don't have any. Well, it turns out that there is a cherry blossom festival in DC. The trees were a gift from Japan in 1912.

Here are some pictures of us enjoying hanami. Yesterday in Kakunodate--


Jonas decided he liked these women and snuggled right up to them. This picture was taken a few seconds after the snuggle.



Jonas likes ice cream as much as I do.



Notice how Jonas is trying to escape my hold near a drop off above a river. This was the theme of the day yesterday. He wanted to just go, go, go without any help from me or Jason.



Here are some pictures from today (Sunday) at Senshu Park. First Jonas checking out the crowd.



The people picnicing next to us.



People had some serious picnic set-ups. This was group was friendly and invited me to take a picture.



Here is an action shot. You can see Jason trying to catch up to Jonas. Jonas had just knocked into this woman trying to get to the flowers. He is fast.



Jason and Jonas talking with a new friend.



Jason and Jonas eating yakisoba, a common festival food in Japan.