JAPAN IN
ONE MINUTE 
~History of “Hanami”~
Since when have Japanese people been enjoying this tradition?
“Hanami” has been loved by Japanese people for a long time.
“Hanami” started way back in the Heian period (794–1185) Aristocrats would write poems and play kemari.
It’s a game where you kick a ball and try not to let it fall while enjoying the cherry blossoms.
Wow, I thought Hanami was always for everyone!
But it wasn’t until the Edo period (1603–1868) that regular people got to enjoy it too.
So cherry blossoms have been loved by Japanese people for hundreds of years!
Cherry blossoms are more than just beautiful flowers in Japan.
They represent something deeper.
Really? Like what?
Well, cherry blossoms bloom for only a short time.
That moment of full bloom is so stunning, but it fades quickly.
It’s a reminder that life is beautiful but also fleeting.
So… that’s why people love watching them so much? Because they’re precious?
Exactly. In Japan, people often see cherry blossoms as a symbol of life’s fleeting beauty.
It’s bittersweet, but that’s what makes them special. This is also known as the culture of “Wabi-sabi“.
That’s really beautiful. No wonder “Hanami” has been loved for so many centuries.
I’ll treasure every petal I see. Tell me more about the culture of wabi-sabi next time!
Summary
Only Aristocrats enjoyed “Hanami” in the Heian period (794–1185)
Regular people got to enjoy it from the Edo period (1603–1868)
Japanese people see cherry blossoms as a symbol of life’s fleeting beauty.
