Hanami: A Tea Ceremony Beneath the Cherry Blossoms

With the arrival of spring, the season of cherry blossom viewing begins in Japan. The other day, I enjoyed a picnic-style tea gathering with my students at a park while admiring the cherry blossoms. Enjoying matcha beneath the fully bloomed sakura is an extraordinary experience. Enjoying a bowl of tea in nature, under the vast blue sky, brings a deep sense of calm to the heart.

For the Japanese, cherry blossoms hold a special place. Their fleeting yet breathtaking beauty reminds us of the transience of life and the importance of treasuring each moment. The sight of cherry blossoms in full bloom drifting to the ground is also profoundly beautiful. It is not just their peak bloom that captivates us, but the way all the petals fall within just a few days, reflecting the passage of time and evoking a sense of anticipation for the return of spring. Perhaps this very ephemerality is the reason why the Japanese feel such a deep affection for sakura.

On this day, we wore kimono, embraced the gentle spring breeze, and spent a wonderful time together. In the world of tea, experiencing the seasons is of great importance. Hanami, too, is a beautiful tradition unique to spring. It was truly a luxurious moment.