Traditional Japanese Events: April
April marks the beginning of a season of encounters, the polar opposite of March’s farewell season, with school entrance ceremonies and new employee initiation ceremonies.
New students in brand-new uniforms fill the streets, creating a sense of freshness.
This is also the season when cherry blossoms, beloved by Japanese people, bloom, bringing even more cheerfulness.
Unfortunately, with the recent warmer temperatures, the cherry blossoms often fall before entrance ceremonies.
Cherry blossoms hold a special place in the hearts of Japanese people.
Winters in Japan are so harsh that signs of spring brighten and lift people’s spirits, and cherry blossoms are a symbol of this.
When asking people overseas what they want to see in Japan, almost everyone answers they want to see the cherry blossoms.
This may also be due to the fact that cherry blossoms appear in scenes from Japanese animation, which is hugely popular worldwide.
This time of year, not only Japanese people but tourists from all over the world flock to see the cherry blossoms, so cherry blossom spots across Japan are packed to the brim.
Although they are only visible for a very short period of time, if you have the opportunity to visit Japan, I highly recommend cherry blossom season.
