[For Seniors] Conversation Starters! A Collection of Trivia and Quizzes About Cherry Blossoms

10 meters

When planting multiple cherry trees, you should pay attention to the spacing. If the trees are planted too close together, it can negatively affect sunlight exposure and root development. Therefore, it’s recommended to plant them with at least 10 meters of space between each tree.

Pass

Cherry blossoms are often used as a flower symbolizing “success,” especially for school admissions and job placements. Because cherry blossoms bloom in spring, they evoke new beginnings and positive outcomes, and are therefore used in congratulatory telegrams and messages. It is said that this practice began in 1965, when Waseda University sent telegrams with the phrase “Sakura saku” (the cherry blossoms bloom) for successful candidates and “Sakura chiru” (the cherry blossoms fall) for unsuccessful candidates when announcing exam results, after which other universities adopted the usage as well.

Somei Yoshino (Yoshino cherry)

The most commonly seen cherry blossom variety in Japan is Somei-Yoshino. Developed during the Meiji era, Somei-Yoshino is widely loved across the country for its beautiful pink petals and the way it blooms all at once.

Stress relief

The scent of cherry blossoms is said to have stress-relieving effects. Its sweet and gentle fragrance can calm the mind and is expected to help reduce stress.

Rosaceae

Cherry trees are classified in the genus Prunus of the Rosaceae family. The Rosaceae family also includes many familiar plants such as roses, apples, and pears.

March 27

March 27 has been designated as “Sakura Day.” It is said that the date was chosen based on a wordplay: sakura ga saku (3×9=27). Incidentally, it was established by the Japan Sakura Association in 1992.

5 pieces

A typical cherry blossom has five petals. In particular, many varieties commonly seen in Japan, such as Somei Yoshino, have five petals. There are also types with many petals, like yaezakura (double-flowered cherry), but the basic number is five. Incidentally, yaezakura blossoms form a single large flower with layered petals, ranging from about 10 to over 100.