Springing

 
Because spring is glorious and it's my first in Japan, here are my favorite schmaltzy photos of our hanami, the simple tradition of celebrating spring's arrival with a picnic under the sakura trees.

Edo and I walked to Takinomiya, our neighborhood park and choose a spot-for-two - they even had lanterns.

We munched on sandwiches and people watched, soaking-in a year's worth of cherry blossom emphemeralness.  I later took pictures and so did everyone else.

It seemed appropriate that the blossoms came late this year, about a week later than in years past.  I talked with a few students about festivities in the shadow of the earthquake/tsunami disaster, and the consensus is that 'life goes on' because it must.  In respect for the disaster, celebrations throughout Japan were subdued; but in presence of such fleeting splendor, it was natural to feel optimistic for its future.