Spring in Japan: Cherry Blossom and Kafunsho
When it gets to this time of year, there are usually two things on everyone’s mind in Japan. One, it’s sakura season! Almost religiously, the news follows the path of the cherry blossoms, predicting then reporting when the blossoms will be in full bloom.
It’s an annual event, one which the population never seems to tire of. And why would they? Sakura blossoms are delicate, beautifully encapsulating the Buddhist philosophy of impermanence. And on a less philosophical note, they look wonderful on anyone’s Instagram feed, bringing a pop of joyous pink!
Not to mention, all the fun they bring at all the hanami parties! For those who don’t know, hanami is a cultural gathering that happens with family, friends and colleagues during the cherry blossom season – people gather in the parks with picnic mats, armed with alcohol, and enjoy a day of drinking whilst admiring the flowers.
But the second thing on everyone’s mind this time of year is not as pleasant, or as pretty… in fact, it’s rather itchy and disgustingly drippy. That’s right: Spring in Japan is hayfever season.
Hayfever in Japanese is called kafunsho and it’s an affliction that affects approximately 40% of the population. People who have hayfever complain of itchy eyes, a runny nose and a ceaseless stream of sneezes. It’s seen as a big enough problem to warrant a huge number of hayfever-specific products on the market, such as pollen-proof facemasks, glasses and eyeball washes. Some people go as far as to laser the inside of their nose so that they are desensitized from the pollen!
The much-hated pollens that cause hayfever this time of year in Japan are from the sugi (cedar) and hinoki (cypress) trees. Funnily enough, just like they do with cherry blossoms, the news also follows the movement of pollen – but with much less excitement and gusto.
It’s interesting how these two natural events garner so much media coverage every year in Japan, and also, how they both define spring despite being so different. On one hand, spring brings the cherry blossoms, beloved and welcomed by all, but on the other hand, it also brings the dreaded pollen.
What defines spring in your country? Let us know in the comments below!
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