Hanami and Sakura

by Meow Meow March 26, 2021

As some of our friends know our cat is named Harami. For us, Harami is the combination of Hanami, a Japanese word, and Rua, a Chinese word meaning "rub". Also, the word Harami refers to one of our favorite Japanese BBQ food: Harami Skirt Steak. Soft and fancy, just like how our cat feel when you pet him!

(Harami: I'm cute and I know it)

Hanami (花見, "flower viewing") is the Japanese traditional custom of enjoying the transient beauty of flowers; flowers ("hana") are in this case almost always referring to those of the cherry ("sakura") or, less frequently, plum ("ume") trees.

Today we would love to share some knowledge about sakura!

When we talk about ‘Sakura’, what will be the first thing jump out in your mind? The Pink petal, the coming of spring or the symbol of Japan? I would say all correct but it’s hard to define which one is the most accurate. In Japan, the types of Cherry Blossom exceed 200, and they have different colors, sizes, shapes of petal. Today, we will present 5 types of Japanese cherry blossom trees you might fall in love with!

1. Somei Yoshino

(Somei Yoshino are a one of the most common types of sakura blossoms)

This is the most common type of cherry blossom in Japanese garden, first blooming in late March in Kyushu and Shikoku, continuing with blooms that can be seen in late April in Tokyo, and as late as May in northern areas such as Aomori.

A single-flowering variety, each blossom consists of just five petals. The color is such a pale pink, that the flowers nearly appear to be white. Blossoms are clustered in bunches, which open before the tree's leaves.

2. Yamazakura

(Most common wild Sakura in Japan)

Yamazakura is the most common wild growing cherry blossom type in Japan. These sakura, AKA Hill Cherry, can be commonly spotted among Japan’s mountains. Just like Yoshino, these sakura appear in light pink petals of five.

3. Shidarezakura (Japanese weeping cherry tree)

(Shidarezakura - Japanese weeping cherry blossom trees)

At the first sight of this beautiful sakura, you will easily understand why it’s called Japanese weeping cherry tree. Shidarezakura is the official flower of Kyoto prefecture. The most famous one of this type is the Miharu Takizakura (Miharu Waterfall Cherry Tree) in Fukushima, which has grown for over 1000 years! And is one of the five greatest cherry blossom tree in Japan!

4. Edohigan

(If you arrive in Japan before cherry blossom season officially begins, you might catch a glimpse of Edohigan sakura flowers in bloom!)

Cannot arrive Japan when the official cherry blossom season begin? No worries! If you arrive earlier than sakura season starts, you can still see Edohigan, this beautiful sakura has small flower's petals are pale pink, and can be distinguished by a round, swollen calyx.

Also, the oldest known tree, Yamataka Jindai Sakura is an Edohigan. Can you imagine it is over 2000 years old? See if you want in Yamanashi sometime between early to mid-April!

5. Kanzan

(Late in Japan's sakura blossoms season, you'll see the spectacular Kanzan in bloom!)

This type of sakura is very easy to identify by your eye, These hearty, late-blooming flowers are known by their deep pink color and voluminous bunches. You can even see as many as 50 petals per blossom on Kanzan!!

Wow! Sakuras are amazing right? We will share more cherry blossom in Japan in future, hope you like it and don’t forget to check our latest Sakura Collection for you cat! Enjoy incoming sakura season cat/dog lovers and stay safe! Meow~

(Harami: Night night!)