Sakura (桜 [sakura]): Cherry blossom

 

1. Today's Japanese words

Here are some Japanese vocabulary related to cherry blossoms with romaji:

* Sakura (桜 [sakura]): Cherry blossom

* Hanami (花見 [hanami]): Cherry blossom viewing

* Sakura-fubuki (桜吹雪 [sakura-fubuki]): Cherry blossom snowstorm (when petals fall like snow)

* Yozakura (夜桜 [yozakura]): Night cherry blossoms (sakura illuminated at night)

* Saku (咲く [saku]): To bloom

* Hanami-dango (花見団子 [hanami-dango]): Sweet dumplings traditionally eaten during hanami

* Mono no aware (物の哀れ [mono no aware]): A sentiment of wistful beauty and sadness arising from the impermanence of things, aligning with the fleeting nature of sakura.

* Yamato damashii (大和魂 [yamato damashii]): Japanese spirit, sometimes associated with stoicism, resilience, and a strong sense of community, mirroring the image of sakura enduring the harsh winter before blooming magnificently.

Wabi-sabi (侘寂 [wabi-sabi]) is a Japanese aesthetic concept that emphasizes the beauty of imperfection, impermanence, and simplicity. It's rooted in finding beauty in natural objects and processes that show the patina of age and the inevitable effects of time.

* Wabi (侘 [wabi]) - rustic simplicity, often associated with quietude and natural elements.

* Sabi (寂 [sabi]) - rustic elegance, characterized by a sense of calmness and acceptance of transience. 

侘寂 (wabi-sabi) together captures the idea of appreciating the beauty that emerges from imperfection and the natural cycle of growth and decay.

2. Today's topic

Cherry blossoms (sakura) 

Cherry blossoms (sakura) are deeply connected to the national character of Japan. Their ephemeral beauty symbolizes the impermanence of life, yet also evokes the hope of spring's arrival and new beginnings.

This connection extends to the Japanese aesthetic concept of "wabi-sabi," which appreciates the beauty of imperfection and impermanence. The fleeting nature of sakura is seen as part of its beauty.

Sakura also represents unity for the Japanese people. Hanami, cherry blossom viewing, is a tradition where people gather with family and friends to celebrate spring. Under the sakura trees, people deepen their bonds and experience a sense of togetherness.

In this way, sakura is deeply intertwined with Japanese national character and plays a significant role in Japanese culture. Here's a closer look at how sakura embodies some key aspects of Japanese character:

Aesthetic Sense: Finding beauty in impermanence

Acceptance of Impermanence: Embracing the transient nature of things

Unity: Sharing joy as a group

These aspects of character have a profound influence on Japanese culture and society. Many traditional art forms and literature feature cherry blossoms. Japan's emphasis on social harmony and collectivism can also be linked to the symbolic unity represented by sakura.

Sakura serves as a source of comfort and a symbol of Japanese culture. It will undoubtedly remain deeply woven into the lives of the Japanese people.

3- Today’s news

The opening of the first blossoms in Fukuoka was announced on March 27

https://www.japan-guide.com/blog/sakura24/240328_fukuoka.html

Japanese city to allow kids to miss 3 days of school per year for more family time

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20240328/p2a/00m/0na/023000c

This east Japan city will introduce a system in April allowing local elementary and junior high school students to skip school on up to three weekdays per school year to increase opportunities for learning and interaction with their families.