Okinawa Prefecture

The place where cherry blossoms bloom the earliest in Japan is Okinawa Prefecture. In Okinawa, cherry blossoms bloom from late January to early February, which is about two months earlier than on the mainland.

approximately 100 to 200 sheets

Dandelions, which you often see in fields and along roadsides, are a quintessential spring flower in Japan, appearing from March to July. What we call a dandelion “flower” is actually a collection of small tubular florets, and there are usually about 150 to 200 of these. In other words, many tiny petals come together to form a single flower.

asparagus

Asparagus is a vegetable that comes into season around April to June in spring, and you can enjoy it fresh when spring arrives. Depending on the region, some are harvested in winter, but the best time to enjoy it is said to be from spring through summer.

randoseru (Japanese elementary school backpack)

A randoseru is a traditional backpack used by Japanese elementary school students for commuting to and from school. In Japan, it’s recognized as something that elementary schoolers wear, but in recent years its design and durability have been appreciated overseas, and it’s reportedly gaining attention as a fashion item for adults as well.

Children's Day

We put up carp streamers on Children’s Day, which is celebrated in Japan on May 5 every year. On this day, there is a tradition of wishing for children’s healthy growth, and many households display carp streamers and samurai helmets. By the way, while Hina Matsuri is often thought of as Girls’ Day and Children’s Day as Boys’ Day, Children’s Day is actually a day to celebrate all children, regardless of gender.

white

Asparagus grown without exposure to sunlight does not perform photosynthesis, so chlorophyll does not form and it remains white. The green asparagus we often see on the table has turned green through photosynthesis. Those that have grown large while remaining white are known as white asparagus.