Cherry blossoms- A cultural icon

Considering how Japanese culture has been influenced by seasons, it is not surprising that cherry blossoms, the ubiquitous symbol of Japanese spring, holds an important place. The blossoming of these pleasing pink flowers is tracked closely by news and radio networks, as it starts from the warmer southern regions to the north of Japan during the months of March and April.
I remember how during my tea ceremony classes, Sensei used to serve Sakura- mochi which is a type of wagashi (Japanese sweet). It is a pink mochi (rice cake) with red bean paste and wrapped in a sakura leaf. Sakura means cherry blossoms in Japanese.

Japanese- A unique culture

I truly find Japan to be a unique culture. There are so many aspects in the culture that would require a lifetime of study by itself. You have the old traditional culture such as Ikebana, tea ceremony, aikido, etc, and then you have the new edgy and hip cultures like manga, anime, game and all its' sub-sub cultures.

I wonder whether a culture and a race that internalizes everything is more rich and evocative than an open culture like, say, Italian and French! I guess it's pretty subjective.

That's why you find so many foreigners who go to Japan and either hate it passionately. Hate people for being so closed, so Japanese or look down upon it. Or really love it passionately. Embrace the culture, mingle with Japanese and try to become one with it.