Colors of Nature

If there is a plant that best represents Japan, it is the sakura (cherry tree). The sakura, which is native to Japan, has been by far the Japanese people's favorite from antiquity onward. Modern-day Japanese greet the blossoming of cherry trees in spring as an opportunity to have hanami (flower-viewing parties), and many celebrations such as entrance ceremonies to schools and companies are held during this season. Weather forecasts on television and in newspapers broadcast and print charts of the "cherry blossom front" as it moves northwards from Okinawa and ends in Hokkaido.

Autumn, when leaves change color, offers another occasion to appreciate nature. Although it is said that people hundreds of years ago would play music and dance beneath the trees, today's mostly urban Japanese pile into cars and trains in search of autumn's colors, especially those of the maple tree.