Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Nagoya Hanami

The cherry blossoms
linger in the wind's wide wake
where they were scattered,
dancing in circles and waves
across a waterless sky.
-Ki no Tsurayuki ( 紀 貫之 , 872 – June 30, 945 ) from the Heian period (794–1185).

Hanami is spectacular around Nagoya castle. I wonder how it is this year. I am envious of those who will or who have already enjoyed this ephemeral beauty this year.

It is said that Hanami or blossoms viewing particularly plum and cherry blossoms started during the Nara period (710–794) when viewing plum blossoms was more popular. Subsequently from Heian period, as mentioned in the novel, Tale of Genji, Hanami almost exclusively refers to viewing cherry blossoms or sakura.

Images: Sakura at Nagoya castle, 2010.

2 comments:

  1. I have seen the door mirror of the car in the 3rd photograph.

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    1. It is the most famous HONDA BEAT in Japan!

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