Sakura!

We are in the height of sakura (cherry blossom) season! Sakura is a HUGE deal here in Japan, and these gorgeous trees are treasured and revered. During this time you can find sakura themed/flavored everything - clothes, makeup, food, beer, toys, literally everything. The towns and cities decorate all the shops and sidewalks with artificial sakura branches, and everyone goes out every free chance they get to admire the trees. People here practice hanami, which means "flower viewing." For as long as the sakura is in bloom, droves of people head out every weekend to parks and picnic under groves of cherry blossoms. Friends and family gather under these gorgeous pink canopies to eat, drink, and take in the beauty that only lasts a short time. These picnics often last long into the evening, with much drinking and laughing.
It's always so exciting to see the first blooms popping open in mid March because you know spring is very near.  You can't help but be happy while gazing upon these lovely flowers, which can range from white to blush to neon pink, and every shade of pink in between.

Small memorial by our house.