| During the beginning of the month of April, | | | | coworkers, the business will usually buy OBENTOU |
| HANAMI season comes to Japan. The word | | | | for everyone, so no need to worry...unless you |
| HANAMI is literally translated into "flower | | | | don't like Japanese food! Some people also have |
| watching." The flower of choice is the beautiful | | | | YAKINIKU (Japanese barbecue). |
| SAKURA, Japanese Cherry Blossom. If you have | | | | 4. OSAKE (liquor!) - Yep! HANAMI is not complete |
| ever been to Washington, D.C., or even if you | | | | without Japanese Sake, beer, etc. This is a time |
| haven't, you have undoubtedly seen photos of | | | | for Japanese people to have fun, relax, and get a |
| the Cherry Trees given to the United States | | | | little "red in the face." Oh, and if, per chance, a |
| from Japan. | | | | SAKURA (cherry blossom) petal falls in your |
| For the next few weekends, every city, state, | | | | SAKE, it means Good Luck for You! |
| and national park in Japan will be bustling with | | | | 5. KAZOKU (family), TOMODACHI (friends), |
| millions of Japanese people celebrating HANAMI. | | | | DOURYOU (coworkers) - These are a necessity |
| To celebrate is quite simple. Here is what you | | | | for HANAMI. Again, while it is okay to do some |
| need: | | | | things by yourself, HANAMI in Japan is NOT one |
| 1. A SAKURA (Cherry Blossom) Tree - Space is | | | | of them! |
| very limited, and this may actually be hard to find. | | | | Places with large a number of SAKURA trees will |
| Most businesses will send an employee out early | | | | most likely have a set up similar to a county fair |
| in the morning to track down a "prime location" | | | | with numerous places to buy food, gifts, |
| for their after work gathering! Good Luck finding a | | | | souvenirs, and alcohol. HANAMI can be done during |
| tree for yourself! And ONLY Sakura trees are | | | | the day or even at night. One of the most |
| used! | | | | beautiful sights in Japan is a Cherry Blossom |
| 2. A GOZA (a plastic mat/picnic blanket) - This | | | | Orchard illuminated by floodlights in the middle of |
| should be large enough for a group of 2 or more. | | | | the night. This is known as YOZAKURA, or |
| Never do HANAMI by yourself. You are better | | | | "nightime sakura." Be prepared for cold weather, |
| off staying at home! The GOZA is used to | | | | because evenings in April can be quite chilly! |
| protect you from the ground, bugs, etc. As | | | | Regardless of whether you you are able to |
| always, Shoes are NOT ALLOWED on the GOZA, | | | | participate in HANAMI in Japan or not, take the |
| so take them off before sitting down! | | | | time to have a meal outdoors with your friends, |
| 3. OBENTOU (lunch box) - Okay, if you are with a | | | | family, or coworkers. Step away from the |
| signifcant other, family, or friends, HANAMI is | | | | humdrum of life and get outside to enjoy nature. |
| potluck style. So, you need to pack something | | | | Life is too busy and too short not to learn a |
| that you can share with everyone else. If with | | | | valuable lesson from the Japanese people... |