At the University of Otago a party under blooming cherry trees is organised by Languages and Cultures Teaching Fellow Haruko Stuart.
As the blossoms come out a much-anticipated annual event on the Dunedin campus is also making its comeback.
Hanami is a traditional Japanese celebration of the blossoming of the cherry (Sakura).
At the University of Otago a party under blooming cherry trees is organised by Languages and Cultures Teaching Fellow Haruko Stuart.
The event is being held for the first time in three years, this Friday, after being cancelled by COVID-19 restrictions in 2020 and 2021.
This year the event will feature live performances, Japanese food and is open to anyone who would like to join in, Haruko says.
“The last time we had Hanami we had 400 people come. A lot of the guests wear their summer cotton Kimonos.”
Due to the nature of the celebration, it is not held on the same date every year, with the event's date instead determined by nature.
“I'm out each day checking how the blossoms are looking. Once they are in full bloom they don't last long. A beautiful day with the blossoms out makes for a pretty special party.”
Many Hanami party-goers wear their summer cotton Kimonos.
Haruko says Hanami has a rich and important history in Japanese culture.
“Cherry blossoms are the symbol of hope in Japan. Spring is a symbol of a fresh start.”
She reflects on the 2011 Tōhoku Tsunami and what Sakura (cherry blossoms) meant to those recovering from the devastation afterwards.
“The Tsunami was in March, and right after that the flowers bloomed. Even in that Sakura were giving them hope and a reminder they can survive and rebuild, start new.
“Sakura when they bloom fully, don't really last that long. The transient beauty of Sakura is a reminder to seize the day, seize the moment. Even the noble people in the eighth century and Samurai Warriors during the Feudal Era enjoyed Sakura – there is a long history there.”
The event will take place on the Clocktower Lawn - Friday 16, September at 3.30pm - with plans to reschedule for Friday 23, September should it rain.
Haruko says the event is open to everyone who would like to participate.
She hopes it will be a positive and fun event for students who have missed out on social events like this during the COVID-19 pandemic.