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Hideyoshi’s Flower Viewing

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In 1594, during the Sengoku period, Toyotomi Hideyoshi led a total of about 5,000 people, including court nobles, military commanders, tea masters, and renga artists, to Mt. Yoshino for a five-day cherry blossom viewing event. One requirement to attend was to wear a costume. Yes, it was a cosplay party. lol Hideyoshi probably wanted people to enjoy themselves without worrying about their social status. It rained for the first 3 days, but after that, the weather cleared, and people of high and low social status enjoyed themselves, regardless of rank. During this event, various gatherings were held all over the mountain, including Noh performances, poetry get-togethers, and tea parties. This is said to be the origin of our cherry blossom viewing today.

The screen painting above, titled “Hoko Yoshino Hanami-zu Byobu,” vividly depicts that very celebration. It is preserved at the National Museum of Japanese History in Sakura, Chiba, and is occasionally displayed to the public during special exhibitions.

Information on National Museum of Japanese History is here.

 

1594年の戦国時代に豊臣秀吉は公家、武将、茶人、連歌師など総勢約5000人を伴い吉野山で5日間の花見をした。参加するのには一つだけ決まりがあった。それは仮装することだった。そう、コスプレパーティーだったのだ。秀吉は人々に身分を気にしないで楽しんでほしかったのだろう。最初の3日は雨だったらしいがその後晴れて、身分が高い人もそうでない人も上下関係なく楽しんだ。この花見では能の会、歌の会、お茶の会など山のあちこちで様々なイベントが行われた。そしてこれが現代の私たちの花見のルーツだと言われる。

上の写真はその様子を描いたもので『豊公吉野花見図屏風』と呼ばれる。千葉県佐倉市にある国立歴史民俗博物館に保管されており、期間限定で一般公開されることがある。

花見 – Flower Viewing

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From Plum to Cherry: A Royal Shift

Believe it or not, the very first “Hanami” didn’t involve cherry blossoms at all. During the Nara period (710–794), people admired fragrant plum blossoms (ume) brought over from China. It wasn’t until the Heian period (794–1185) that the elite shifted their obsession to the native sakura. For the Emperors and aristocrats, these fleeting petals inspired sophisticated poetry and elegant sake parties—but this remained a “VIP only” affair.

The Shogun’s Gift to the Public

For centuries, these beautiful gatherings were reserved for the ruling class. That changed during the Edo period. To boost public morale, the eighth Shogun, Tokugawa Yoshimune, ordered the planting of thousands of cherry trees in public spots like Ueno and Asukayama. His goal was simple: to give the hard-working people of Edo a place to relax and enjoy nature.

Modern Hanami: A National Festival of Spring

What started as a solemn ritual for nobles has evolved into the lively, inclusive celebration that defines spring in Japan today. For modern Japanese people, Hanami is the ultimate social event. You’ll see coworkers staking out the perfect spot with blue tarps, while friends and families gather to share beautiful homemade bento or colorful treats from department stores. Sharing a meal under the blossoms is the heart of the tradition.

As the sun sets, the party doesn’t stop—”Yozakura” (night sakura) takes over, with illuminated trees creating a magical, glowing atmosphere. It’s a time for everyone to pause their busy lives, gather with loved ones, and cherish the fleeting beauty of the petals together.

Recommended Links for Your Hanami Adventure in Japan

ソメイヨシノ – Somei Yoshino

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It’s said that there are over 800 different breeds of cherry trees. Somei Yoshino, developed in the late Edo period, has since become the iconic cherry tree. When people mention cherry blossoms, they’re often referring to the Somei Yoshino variety. The cherry trees gifted to Washington, D.C. from Japan in 1912 are also Somei Yoshino.

A new Somei Yoshino tree is created through grafting or cutting methods because growing it from a pollinated seed results in a different breed. As a result, all the Somei Yoshino trees in the world are essentially clones, originating from a single tree. This is why cherry blossoms in one area bloom simultaneously.

Learn More About Somei Yoshino:

The Science of Sakura Clones (National Geographic)

History of D.C.’s Cherry Blossoms (National Park Service)

紅まどんな – Beni Madonna

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Beni Madonna is a premium citrus fruit from Ehime Prefecture, known for its incredibly soft pulp that feels just like eating jelly. It took 15 years of careful breeding to combine the best traits of its parent varieties: the juicy Nanko and the tender Amakusa.

Every year, farmers cross-breed about 1,000 different varieties in search of something new, but they consider themselves lucky if they can produce just one successful variety every 15 to 17 years. The odds are a staggering 1 in 15,000. Even with its premium price tag, Beni Madonna is selling like hotcakes. Peak season is in December, and it’s expected to be available through early January.

愛媛県が生んだ最高級の柑橘「紅まどんな」。果肉が非常に柔らかく、まるでゼリーを食べているような食感が特徴。これは15年もの歳月をかけ、ジューシーな「南香（なんこう）」と、果肉が柔らかい「天草（あまくさ）」の長所を掛け合わせて作られた品種。

農家では毎年1,000種類ほど掛け合わせて新種の開発を行っているが、新しい品種が誕生するのは15年〜17年に一度あれば良い方だと言われている。その確率はなんと約15,000分の1。現在、紅まどんなは決して安くないけれど、その美味しさから「飛ぶように」売れている。12月が旬のピークで、1月初めまで販売される予定。

紅まどんな Wikipedia

「紅まどんな」の魅力とは？おいしい食べ方・切り方・日持ちについても紹介！

納豆 – Nattō

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Nattō is made by fermenting soybeans with nattō bacteria. It has a distinct smell and a sticky texture, which even many Japanese people find unappealing despite growing up with it. However, nattō is a nutritional powerhouse—rich in protein, essential for the body; iron, which supports blood production; and potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure. It also promotes a healthy gut environment. When it comes to nutritious foods, nattō is often the first thing that comes to mind for many Japanese people.

Interestingly, the bacteria responsible for nattō’s fermentation have remarkable resilience and an astonishing ability to reproduce. Experiments have shown that nattō bacteria can survive extreme conditions—temperatures as high as 100°C, as low as -200°C, the vacuum of outer space, and even the acidity of gastric juices. Incredibly, a single nattō bacterium can multiply to about 4 billion within just 16 hours.

納豆は大豆を納豆菌で発酵させて作られる。納豆は癖のある匂いと独特の粘りがある食べ物で、納豆文化の中で生活している日本人でも嫌いな人は多い。しかし納豆は体に大切なタンパク質、血を作る鉄分、高血圧防止に効くカリウムが豊富で、腸内環境も整えてくれるという超優れ物で、健康食品の代名詞として日本人が一番最初に挙げるのは納豆だ。

ところでこの納豆を作っている納豆菌なんだが、驚異的な生命力と物凄い繁殖力を持っている。実験の結果、納豆菌は100度の高温やマイナス200度の低温、宇宙空間、胃液の中でも生き延びることができ、1個の納豆菌は16時間後には約40億個まで増殖可能ということが分かっている。

Neo Hina Dolls

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March 3rd is Hinamatsuri, a festival for families with girls. However, in recent years, many younger people have lost interest. During Japan’s economic boom, a seven-tiered Hina doll display cost around 1 million yen, nearly the price of two new cars, symbolizing wealth. Nowadays, space and cost concerns lead families to buy only the main couple dolls or even just small figures or pictures. To attract younger generations, flashy Hina dolls with long eyelashes, bright hair, and vibrant kimonos have emerged. While some find them too flashy, these changes aim to keep the tradition alive.

3月3日はひな祭り。女の子がいる家庭は既に何かしら準備していることだろう。でも実は近年、若い世代の節句離れが起きている。高度経済成長期の7段飾りのひな人形は100万円。新車2台がほぼ買える値段。豪華なひな人形が豊かさの象徴だった。でも今は「家が狭くて置く場所がない」「高い」などの理由で、買っても男雛と女雛の2体だけ、それどころか従来の人形の代わりに手のひらサイズの飾りや絵などで済ませる家庭も多い。そこで少しでも若い世代に興味を持ってもらおうと、最近ド派手なひな人形が売られている。長いまつげ、鮮やかな色の髪の毛、派手な着物など、とにかく従来のひな人形とは全然違う。ド派手は少しやりすぎな気がしないでもないが、伝統を守るには変わっていかないといけないのだろう。

白神山地 – Shirakami Sanchi

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Japan currently hosts 26 World Heritage Sites, including Shirakami-Sanchi, a mountainous region spanning Aomori and Akita Prefectures. Recognized in 1993, Shirakami-Sanchi boasts vast primeval beech forests, among the largest untouched natural reserves globally. These ancient forests, free from modern development, provide sanctuary to a rich diversity of flora and fauna, including the elusive black woodpecker and the Japanese serow, a designated natural monument.

白神山地は現在日本にある26の世界遺産の一つ。白神山地は青森県から秋田県にまたがる山地帯の総称。「人の影響をほとんど受けていない原生的なブナ天然林が世界最大級の規模で分布」として、1993年世界遺産に登録された。白神山地は幻の鳥と言われるクマゲラや天然記念物のニホンカモシカなどの保護区になっている。

National Foundation Day

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February 11th is National Foundation Day (建国記念の日) in Japan. Established by the amendment of the National Holidays Act in 1966, this national holiday is dedicated to “remembering the founding of the country and cultivating a love for the nation.” February 11th was chosen for this celebration because it is traditionally believed to be the day when Japan’s first emperor, Emperor Jimmu, ascended the throne in 660 B.C., according to Japanese historical records.

建国記念の日は、1966年の祝日法改正により設けられた国民の祝日であり、「建国をしのび、国を愛する心を養う」日とされているんだそう。2月11日が選ばれた理由は、紀元前660年、日本の初代天皇である神武天皇が即位したとされる日だから。

Japan’s World Heritage Sites

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As of February 2025, Japan proudly hosts 26 World Heritage Sites, each contributing uniquely to global heritage.

1 Buddhist monuments in the Horyu-ji area Nara 1993 cultural
2 Himeji Castle Hyogo 1993 cultural
3 Yakushima Kagoshima 1993 natural
4 Shirakami-Sanchi Aomori and Akita 1993 natural
5 Cultural Assets of the Ancient Capital of Kyoto (Kyoto City, Uji City, Otsu City) Kyoto and Shiga 1994 cultural
6 Shirakawa-go and Gokayama Gassho-style Villages Gifu and Toyama 1995 cultural
7 Atomic Bomb Dome Hiroshima 1996 cultural
8 Itsukushima Shrine Hiroshima 1996 cultural
9 Cultural Assets of the Ancient Capital of Nara Nara 1998 cultural
10 Shrines and Temples of Nikko Tochigi 1999 cultural
11 Gusuku and Related Properties of the Kingdom of the Ryukyus Okinawa 2000 cultural
12 Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range Mie, Nara, Wakayama 2004 cultural
13 Shiretoko Hokkaido 2005 natural
14 Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine Site and its Cultural Landscape Shimane 2007 cultural
15 Ogasawara Islands Tokyo 2011 natural
16 Hiraizumi – Architecture, gardens and archaeological sites representing the Buddhist Pure Land – Iwate 2011 cultural
17 Mount Fuji: an object of worship and a source of artistic inspiration Yamanashi and Shizuoka 2013 cultural
18 Tomioka Silk Mill and Silk Industry Heritage Sites Gunma 2014 cultural
19 Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution Heritage Sites: Iron and Steel, Shipbuilding, and Coal Mining Fukuoka, Saga, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Kagoshima, Yamaguchi, Iwate, Shizuoka 2015 cultural
20 Le Corbusier’s Architectural Works – Outstanding Contributions to the Modern Architectural Movement – Tokyo 2016 cultural
21 “The Sacred Island” – Okinoshima and Associated Heritage Sites in Munakata Fukuoka 2017 cultural
22 Hidden Christian Sites in Nagasaki and the Amakusa Region Nagasaki and Kumamoto 2018 cultural
23 Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group – Ancient Japanese Tombs Osaka 2019 cultural
24 Amami Oshima, Tokunoshima, northern Okinawa Island and Iriomote Island Kagoshima and Okinawa 2021 natural
25 Jomon ruins in Hokkaido and northern Tohoku Hokkaido, Aomori, Iwate, Akita 2021 cultural
26 Gold Mine of Sado Island Niigata 2024 cultural

Neo Bamboo Craft

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In Beppu, located in Oita Prefecture, traditional bamboo craftsmen and modern artisans collaborate to create innovative, non-traditional works. This collaboration is possible because Beppu hosts Japan’s only vocational training school for bamboo crafts, where tuition is free! Inexperienced craftsmen attend this school to learn how to handle and weave bamboo, develop product creation ideas, and gain opportunities to produce innovative products.

大分県別府では伝統的な竹細工職人と現代の職人がコラボして自由で斬新な作品を作りだしている。別府には日本で唯一竹細工の職業訓練校がある。しかも授業料は無料！経験の浅い職人などが通って、竹の扱い方や編み方を習ったり、商品開発の考案から実際の作成を行ったりする。