This year’s cherry blossom season in Japan was unusual in more ways than one.
Firstly, the spring of 2021 saw the earliest blooming of sakura petals in 1200 years. The floral phenomenon’s swift appearance would usually be welcomed during such a fraught year, but experts have attributed the timing to the looming climate crisis, with warmer temperatures teasing the flowers out before their time.
Photo by Agathe Marty on Unsplash
The next blow to blossom lovers is the fact that the country’s annual ‘hanami’ parties have become one of the latest casualties of coronavirus restrictions. Hanami, which literally means ‘flower watching’, is a traditional spring pastime in Japan, which involves organising picnics under cherry blossom trees, in parks and other public spaces. These get-togethers have been deemed problematic in terms of covid safety, and banned in most major parks. Luckily, many could still enjoy a stroll under the sakura trees (masked up of course) to get their fix for this year.
This blossom-centric activity holds a lot of cultural weight in Japan, and banned hanami picnics or threats of climate-related environmental damage are not taken lightly. The Governor of Tokyo, Yuriko Koike, just last year compared cancelling hanami events to ‘taking hugs away from Italians’.
But while Japan has enjoyed a muted version of cherry blossom season this year, the National Trust, a UK charity and membership organisation, have their sights set on inspiring a British version of the springtime tradition. Their theory is that replicating blossom culture on their turf will turn enjoyment of nature into respect, and result in greater conservation efforts from the general public.
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The practice of hanami in Japan dates back further than one thousand years ago, and seems to have been enjoyed by almost every Japanese person at least once, regardless of their interest in horticulture. You can see why the UK’s National Trust might be jealous of this blanket appreciation of natural surroundings.
One of the National Trust’s first hanami-inspired activities is a campaign called ‘Blossom Watch’, which was created to encourage people to do some flower viewing of their own, and post the photographic results to social media (along with the hashtag #BlossomWatch). Another project consists of planting ‘blossom circles’ in towns and cities. This effort is already in motion, starting with a location in London. Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park’s blossom circle was completed on 23rd March this year. Thirty-three trees were planted which will explode into a pink and white rhapsody of cherry, plum, hawthorn and crab apple blossom every spring.
Taking cues from a nation of nature lovers such as Japan seems like a good idea. But can traditional pastimes like blossom parties really engender respect for the trees themselves?
Of course, sweeping generalisations about any population should be made sparingly. Although, some newsworthy incidents in recent years do seem to reveal the Japanese reverence for nature that the National Trust are hoping to import to Britain.
In 2018, some Instagrammers in Japan took to picking the blossom from trees, or snapping off branches, as accessories for their photo shoots. After this behaviour was noticed by the public, these social media users were met with a tidal wave of disapproval. It’s hard to imagine such a controversy occurring in Britain over a few twigs, but many Japanese people are aware of how delicate sakura trees are, and even breaking small branches can lead to rot which may destroy the whole tree. Not only does this example point to a general inclination towards protecting nature, but a willingness to learn about the trees and how exactly to protect them.
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Encouraging anecdotal evidence aside, the National Trust have also taken a more scientific approach in their crusade. Through research carried out last year in partnership with the University of Derby, the National Trust concluded that ‘“noticing nature” has the greatest influence on conservation action’. This seems to back up the idea that spending a few hours focusing on the beauty of blossom could make one more inclined to care about the fate of the trees and flowers themselves.
According to the study, only 7% of children and 6% of adults often celebrate natural events. With such a dismal result, making a big deal out of seasonal changes such as cherry blossom blooming could be one step towards creating a nation of nature lovers.
So with all this evidence in mind, perhaps it is time to plan some blossom-inspired activities as soon as possible, before the delicate flora disappears for summer. Don’t forget your camera, and a happy ‘Blossom Watch’ to all!