In case you haven’t heard….the Oscars are this Sunday.  Here in Los Angeles, it’s a big deal with news coverage, road closures, and regular progress reports on every station about the “big” event.
There are many great films up for an award…..one of which is a Nominee for Documentary (Short Film).  The Tsunami and the Cherry Blossom is “a look at the aftermath of the 2011 Japanese disaster that emphasizes the way beauty and terror always exist in nature.”  This short film encompasses the turmoil and heartache of an all-consuming disaster, as well as the beauty and survival of the beloved cherry blossom.  It is “a stunning visual poem about the ephemeral nature of life and the healing power of Japan’s most beloved flower.”
Japan has long been a land of mysterious beauty and tradition.  It is in the spring (between March to May) that they hold their annual tradition of celebrating the cherry blossom.  This year is especially important for the people of Japan, it is a time to come together and reflect on the past year.  Cherry Blossom Festivals, or Hanami, are an important custom held throughout Japan and the world.  Hanami literally means viewing flowers and is said to date back more than one thousand years when aristocrats enjoyed looking at beautiful cherry blossoms and writing poems.This year also holds a once in a lifetime celebration in Washington D.C. as the nation celebrates the Cherry Blossom Centennial.  In 1912, 3000 cherry blossom trees were gifted by Tokyo, Japan.  The trees are a living reminder of international friendship and the beauty of nature.As March approaches, and the anniversary of the Tsunami rolls around let us not forget that through tragedy, nature survives and if we are lucky enough to partake in the celebration of the cherry blossom anywhere in the world, it is sure to be an unforgettable experience.