Flowers (花 - Hana)**

1. Today's Japanese words
Here's some basic Japanese vocabulary about flowers and botanical terms with romaji pronunciation:

**Flowers (花 - Hana)**

* バラ (bara) - rose
* チューリップ (churippu) - tulip
* ヒマワリ (himawari) - sunflower
* ユリ (yuri) - lily
* 蘭 (ran) - orchid
* 菊 (kiku) - chrysanthemum (Japan's national flower)
* 桜 (sakura) - cherry blossom

**General Botanical Terms**

* 木 (ki) - tree
* 草 (kusa) - grass
* 葉 (ha) - leaf
* 根 (ne) - root
* 種 (tane) - seed
* 花びら (hanabira) - petal
* 茎 (kuki) - stem

**More Specific Terms**

* ガーデニング (gaadeningu) - gardening
* 苗 (nae) - seedling
* 肥料 (hiryou) - fertilizer
* 剪定 (sentei) - pruning
* 花粉 (kafun) - pollen
* 蜜 (みつ - mitsu) - nectar

**Phrases**

* きれいな花 (kirei na hana) - beautiful flower
* 庭の花 (niwa no hana) - flowers in the garden
* 日本の国花 (nihon no kokka) - Japan's national flower (referring to the菊 - kiku)

2. Today's topic
Sakura and Japanese philopsophy

Sakura, the delicate and fleeting cherry blossoms of Japan, hold a deep significance in Japanese philosophy. Here's how they connect:

* **Mono no Aware (物の哀れ):** This concept translates to "the pathos of things" and highlights the impermanence of beauty. Sakura's short bloom perfectly embodies this idea. Their dazzling beauty reminds us that nothing lasts forever, and that impermanence itself adds to the value of something.

* **Wabi-Sabi (侘寂):** This philosophy emphasizes the beauty of imperfection and finding beauty in the natural world. The transient nature of sakura blossoms aligns with wabi-sabi's appreciation for the simple and unrefined. Their delicate petals falling softly showcase the acceptance of natural cycles.

* **Muga (無我):** Meaning "selflessness," muga is a Buddhist concept that encourages letting go of ego. The way sakura erupt in a vibrant display without clinging to their beauty reflects this idea.

* **Hanami (花見):** The act of cherry blossom viewing itself is a cultural expression of these philosophies. People gather under the blossoms to appreciate their fleeting beauty, fostering a sense of impermanence and shared experience.

**In essence, sakura serve as a powerful symbol in Japanese philosophy. Their ephemeral nature reminds us to cherish the present moment, find beauty in imperfection, and accept the impermanence of all things.**





3- Today’s news
Cherry blossoms finally in full bloom in central Tokyo, latest peak in over decade
https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20240405/p2a/00m/0na/004000c

Best Cherry Blossom Spots
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2011_where.html