Sakura

Photos by Shoji Kudaka
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Let's check out cherry blossoms in northern Okinawa

When January’s cherry blossom season rolls around on Okinawa, it means it’s time to hit the road and head north.
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Speakin’ Japanese: Sakura sayings

A symbol of spring in Japan, cherry blossoms or “sakura” are enjoyed throughout Japan. The cherry blossom front moves from south (starting in February on Okinawa) to north, arriving on the Kanto Plain around the end of March and reaching Misawa by the end of April.
People photograph cherry blossoms along the Meguro River in central Tokyo, Monday, March 23, 2020. AKIFUMI ISHIKAWA/STARS AND STRIPES
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Tokyo wants cherry blossom viewers to keep it moving during coronavirus outbreak

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government is cautioning visitors to city parks to set aside tradition to avoid the threat of coronavirus as they enjoy the iconic, seasonal Japanese cherry blossoms.
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This year's cherry blossom forecast for Kyushu, Japan

The Japan Meteorological Cooperation has released its second cherry blossom forecast for 2020 for Kyushu region.
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Hansen Festival returns on Feb. 8 and 9

With the arrival of cherry blossoms on Okinawa, so is the arrival of a new festival season.
Members of the local and U.S. communities celebrate the Nago Cherry Blossom Festival Jan. 25, 2020 in Nago, Okinawa, Japan. The two-day festival is held annually on the last Saturday and Sunday of January, and includes food booths, a parade, street dancers and live performances. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Shelby A. Karr)
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Nago Cherry Blossom Festival 2020

Members of the local and U.S. communities celebrated the Nago Cherry Blossom Festival from Jan. 25 to Jan. 26 in Nago.
Photo by Shoji Kudaka
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VIDEO| Cherry Blossoms in Okinawa

Once again, Japan’s earliest blooms draw in locals and tourists to northern parts of the island.
Image: Pakutaso/Sushiku
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2020 Cherry Blossom Forecast for Japan

The Japan Meteorological Cooperation has released its first cherry blossom forecast for 2020.
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Did you know?: Cherry blossom history

Cherry blossoms are a symbol of renewal and hope. Hanami gathering are said to have started at the Imperial Palace as early as 794 AD.
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Food & Drink
Cuisine: Japanese

5 easy-to-make recipes using sweet Okinawan brown sugar

Okinawan brown sugar, made from sugarcane grown in fields blessed with strong southern-island sunlight and minerals delivered by the ocean spray, is very rich in flavor.
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6 protein-packed breakfasts without eggs

When you’re attempting to add more protein into your life, one of the easiest things to reach for is eggs. Eggs are great. They’re easy, versatile and inexpensive.
Photos by Shoji Kudaka, Takahiro Takiguchi and Illustrations by Annie Kamio
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Conveni Craze: Convenience stores in Japan do it all ... and then some

Located throughout Japan, convenience stores sell virtually everything you need in daily life.
Images courtesy of Sugoi Mart
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10 popular Japanese snacks

2020 was a trying year in many ways, but one bright spot was all the specialty tastes that have been released for our favorite Japanese snacks and treats!
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'Tofu is so good in Japan!' Japanese comfort foods foreigners love

When you think of comfort food, what comes to mind? For some people it might be fried chicken or pizza. There is a great variety of things people might say, but when it comes to Japanese comfort food, many might think of different fried teats like karaage or katsu.
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Cuisine: Japanese

Let the good times roll! Go veggie with these 12 sushi options

One of the enduring images of Japanese food is of course sushi, which in a way you could call one of the world’s first fast-foods!