Sometimes this is done at night with traditional Japanese lanterns lighting up the beautiful blossoms. Our students have several hanami planned for us, but rain may obstruct our plans. Nothing, however, can prevent us from having our own hanami just riding to work or shopping. Almost every street is transformed from mundane pavement and brick to visions of rapture and delight. The cherry trees, with no leaves yet, give off frothy pure-pink clouds of flowers that seem to float in the air.
Every sector is transformed.
The streets are avenues of beauty and every common corner is lit up with mists of enchantment. The whole of Japan is full of hope and new life. The promise of spring is here. The promise of New Life is also springing in the hearts of our students. The old story of Redemption is making new beginnings possible.