Hanami: Unique Japanese Tradition

  In this issue, I want to introduce one of Japan’s main cultural events, hanami, or cherry blossom viewing.

           Every year, during late March through April, cherry blossom information is all over the news, and a popular topic among Japanese people is when and where they should go see the cherry blossoms. Cherry blossoms have always appeared in poetry and literature, songs, and more. It’s definitely a big part of Japanese culture.

　 

Regarding Tohoku District-Off the Pacific Ocean Earthquake

Please  let  us  express  our  sincere condolences for the victims of the　recent　earthquake that struck eastern Japan. As Hyogo citizens have experienced the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake in the past, we would like to offer our deepest sympathies to all　those affected by this terrible disaster. We pray for the earliest possible recovery of the affected areas so that the people can soon return to their normal way of life.

Thank you very much for many emails from home and abroad asking about the situation not just the devastated area but in Hyogo & Kobe. In Hyogo and Kansai region, no damage from the earthquake has been reported so far.

  Governor Ido, as chairman of the Union of Kansai Government, announced that he would like to support the affected area with all the power in Kansai, which experienced the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake.

*Hyogo-related information concerning the earthquake

http://web.pref.hyogo.jp/ac02/index_d.html （Japanese)

*Latest correspondence from the Government of Japan

http://www.kantei.go.jp/jp/kikikanri/jisin/20110311miyagi/index.html  (Japanese)
http://www.kantei.go.jp/foreign/topics/2011/earthquake2011tohoku.html （English）

Hyogo Tourism Association

Hina Dolls of Yodoko Guest House

  Have you ever seen a Japanese hina doll?

  On March 3^rd, also known as Girl’s Day, Hina festival is held to pray for girl’s growth and good health.

  Hina dolls are traditional Japanese dolls that are put on display on Girl’s Day. With Otoko-hina (male doll) and Onna-hina (female doll) in the center, they are surrounded by 3 servant dolls and 5 musician dolls.

  Today, I’m going to introduce very famous and popular hina dolls of Yodoko Guest House.

Hina Dolls of Yodoko Guest House