Seasonal

I come from Kharkiv, Ukraine. In 2017, Japan gave our country 2,500 Sakura trees. The gift was so special as it marked the 25 years of diplomatic relationships between Japan and Ukraine. You can see beautiful Sakura trees in parks and near universities in different cities in Ukraine, and in Kharkiv, my own city. The first year, when we heard “Sakura ga saita,” which means, “Cherry blossom trees have bloomed,” in Japanese, we went to amaze ourselves by the charm of those trees that symbolize the Japanese tradition and culture. In Ukraine, Sakura is the time we enjoy the prettiness of nature and take photos with friends and family.

When, I moved to Canada, I was surprised to hear that Japanese government did the same with the Canadian government in 1959. I eagerly waited till the last week of April to go to High Park. I just wanted to delight my eyesight and recall those unforgettable days in Ukraine with my loved ones.

It’s not only the beauty of the soft pink and white flowers, but the memories that flow back with them. Thank you, Japan, for sharing this beauty and tradition that life is transient, and the belief in new beginnings and hope.