So here we are in April and finally it's really starting to feel like spring has arrived.
Winter was quite stubborn and it seemed as if it didn't want to leave, and March had often shown a rather unpleasant, wet and windy side this year. But the last few days managed to create a desire for more and it seems that the good weather is finally coming to our region too and that it wants to stay for a while.
And spring in Japan promises first and foremost a colorful spectacle that nature offers us every year anew. In a few days' time, the first cherry blossoms should be opening in our city, marking the start of what is probably the most beautiful time of the year. In Tokyo, people are already in the midst of all the action and are enjoying the beautiful but unfortunately so fleeting sight that draws so many people out into the parks and gardens. And which offers such a welcome change and distraction from all the other things that April brings.
I recently mentioned that March is a month of farewells and endings. The school and business years are now over and people try to gather themselves before everything starts all over again in April. School enrollments and transfers, the first day at university, at a new company or in a new department. For many Japanese, it's time to really get down to business and get started all over, and as usual here in the Far East, there is often no break between the end and the beginning. At least not at work, where these two months are often the busiest and most stressful time of the year.
If you're not careful, you'll quickly miss out on the colorful highlight that's taking place just outside the door. Perhaps this is why the cherry blossom festival is celebrated so intensely and excessively. In the short time available, people want to soak up everything and leave nothing out. There is no shame in getting drunk under cherry trees, even if your colleagues and boss are with you. For some, it's probably even part of the job and it can almost become a duty.
Fortunately,when it comes to cherry blossom, I am able to take it a little easier and give myself a little more time. Or rather, I simply take my time and make sure that I get outside as often as possible during these days. I now have a small list of places that I really want to visit during this wonderful season, although I do of course have some very special favorites. Let's see where we'll end up this year being captivated by the charm of the cherry blossom. Perhaps there will be some completely new, as yet unknown opportunities to enjoy ourselves. I'm already a little excited and will definitely take you with me on my next date with Queen Sakura. I promise!
