To those who know about Japan

[karohemd]

When you read about Japan, they say you should go during cherry blossom season because it's so beautiful and from what I've seen on TV and photos, it indeed is.

However, I wouldn't associate Japan with the actual fruit. Are cherry trees simply decorative?

Comments

[blue-cat.livejournal.com]

I think these ones are simply decorative. But cherry blossom is also very associated with samurai as the blossom falls when in full bloom, not wilting first, as the Samurai expects to die in battle, not of old age.

[gbsteve.livejournal.com]

Many types of cherry are indeed ornamental as opposed to edible. But edible ones are nicer.

[susanofstohelit.livejournal.com]

When it's cherry (fruit) season in the US, cargo planes full of cherries are exported to japan

[fractalgeek.livejournal.com]

A sour cherry preserve/pickle is a common ingredient in cooking too.

So people go to the right bit, blossom forecasts go out on national TV.

In the UK, the best two avenues I know are the A316 at Richmond and the A308 between Esher and Hampton Court.

[dreamsewing.livejournal.com]

blossoms only, never saw any fruit. Not just about samurai though, but life itself, Japanese version version of "gather rosebuds while ye may". Life is beautiful, but transient and you must stop and appreciate it. Despite strong buddhist influences, Shinto-ism is still stronger in day to day life and this reflects it. EVERYTHING stops for Cherry blossoms, it was funny to see hoards of businessmen come pouring out of buildings when the first strong winds blow the blossoms, grey birds in pink storm.
Once it begins, work is cancelled and everyone goes to the parks to just sit,eat, spend time with family. Despite perceived work ethic, I have never lived in any other country which consecrates so much time to relaxing and enjoying the stages in life.

[robinbloke.livejournal.com]

My parents had a MASSIVE cherry tree outside one of their old houses; I don't remember the cherry blossom, what I do remember is the frantic rush to pick up the cherries as they came down every year (to fill yet more and more bag of frozen cherries in the freezer) before hordes of wasps descended into the garden and made it a no-go zone.

[undyingking.livejournal.com]

In general cherry varieties either are good for blossom, or good for fruit -- I dont think there are any kinds that are good for both.

Some of the ornamental ones don't fruit at all, although presumably those are artifial cultivars... others just have a small, sour hard fruit that birds eat.

[aardnebby.livejournal.com]

Check this link out:

http://www.justhungry.com/cherry-blossoms-ohanami-and-japanese-culture

Something pointed out to me by a little bird ;)