Sakura, Sakura
I have been dying to see these gorgeous sakura (cherry blossom) tress in full bloom with my own eyes for 20 years! I am usually working and touring this time of the year (End of March through Early/Mid April) but blessing in disguise, SURPRISE! I am back!
Well, the truth is I left Los Angeles on March 24 (landed March 25) threatened by the serious COVID-19 pandemic. At that time, it had been two weeks since California and the US announced the state of emergency, and things were getting worse every day. Japan was relatively safe at that time and in stead of staying in LA alone, I just felt in my gut that it was the right thing to go back to my home country where my parents are. I was also startled by the fact that the Japan Airlines (JAL) which I usually take to travel to and from Osaka was canceling their flight from 7 days to 3 days a week. Sure, the chances of me getting this virus would have become much higher as I had gone to LAX and got on the plane. I could get infected and give it to my parents, and spread to others.
Despite the concern, I bought a one-way ticket, hopped on the plane and here I am.
These sakura trees are something else.
It’s extremely breathtaking because they all bloom at the same time and cover the whole nation in pink and white blossoms. But only for a short period of time….usually. This year, the trees were lasting much longer from less rain and lighter breeze. Most years weather changes a lot in spring time- rain and wind often shorten the life of those flowers. That’s why people try to go see and enjoy this beautiful moment as much as they can this by having parties and picnics under the trees (ohanami).
“Beauty is ephemeral.”
It really is true. Beautiful things and great moments tend to not last longer than you like. The state of life, state of mind, state of “now” is constantly changing in this moving world. In Japan, there is a distinct four seasons. You see these sakura trees sprout and bloom in the spring, becomes green in the summer, leaves turn colors in the autumn and the tree looks naked in the winter. You really become aware of life and mortality as you go through seasons. All things in life have been through this cycle for many many many many many many years and the seasons come back again and again, letting us enjoy the sakura flowers every year.
You get disheartened hearing the COVID-19 news every day when you switch on TV, get on the internet, etc. State of how things are are changing every day. Worsening, unfortunately. We must be proactive with what we can do (STAY HOME!) to make this a better place to fight this virus. When the season comes around, these sakura trees will bloom again. I want people smiling under those trees next year.
