For those wondering that in God's name the title of this entry means, I'll make the explanation short and simple (strange, I know). It means 'until tomorrow'. Which is exactly the focus of this entry.
Initially, I had intended to be able to write about my experiences with toilets, showers, and all other sanitary related topics today in this post..... okay, that's a bit of a lie. But it was a good intention none the less. Either way, I was hoping to be able to get that post up sooner rather than later. As it is, the time is now nearly 11 pm, I have to walk all over Tokyo tomorrow, and I'm tired. Therefore, Long post will not actually be long. In fact, hopefully, short post will be just that, short.
Today's topic? Ohanami.
Ohanami is the Japanese tradition of getting together a group of family, friends, or both and sitting in a park, under the sakura blooms in spring, while eating, drinking, and basically being merry. It's like Christmas except without gifts, over eating, and Uncle Joe telling you all about his back surgery. The sakura blooms, or cherry blossom blooms for those completely ignorant of anything related to Japan, are incredibly symbolic in Japan. They represent the brevity of life and importance of every small little delicate thing in that time period. Since the flowers only bloom for about one week, it is typical to find ohanami parties in almost every park. People will sit out under the trees on tarps, gathered around a pile of food, a portable grill, or just sitting together, laughing and having fun. Around the area are food stalls and other such small short period booths (pretty much just food stalls) for people to get food from.
And, one of the most important aspects of this tradition, everyone (of age or about) drinks. And I don't mean 'let's raise a glass of beer and get drunk my friends,' I mean a really delicious osake (Japanese alcohol) that everyone enjoys while chatting and enjoying life.
Today, I got to go to an ohanami which was hosted by one of the International student groups at Waseda. Sadly, we went at night, meaning the sakura didn't have the best lighting, but, none the less, it was still extremely fun. There was food, osake, and extremely good company. The fact that it was freezing didn't deter anyone as we all laughed and attempted to communicate in both fragmented English and Japanese with each other. I can easily understand why this is one of the most enjoyed traditions in Japan. That feel good feeling you get after helping someone or the unexplainable joy at seeing a litter of kittens? Yeah, that sort of thing. Just happy all around.
That's Ohanami.
Just a side note though. The osake which tastes like a sweet almost syrupy drink? Yeah, be careful. Because, even with just one glass, I could tell it could knock you on your ass and laugh at you when you tried to get up again.
Keep that in mind for when you come to Japan. That and walking on the left side.
Basically, an end to a great day.
Ai out-
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OK then so when my Japanese Cherry tree blooms, we will have to have an Ohanami outside! I hope you have many more opportunities to enjoy these blooms for the short time they are open!
ReplyDeleteHahaha! Sure. I'll try and make some traditional Japanese food and find some good drinks, though I'm sure Bob will want to stick with his Crown Royal.
ReplyDeleteI have been and they are absolutely breath taking. :D