152: The cherry blossoms are here and business is blooming

It’s been three years since people in Japan could welcome spring with traditional picnics under the country’s millions of cherry trees. This week Kathleen Benoza explains how much money is at stake during the season, while Thu-Huong Ha and Alyssa I. Smith discuss the science, symbolism and culture surrounding the cherry blossoms in Japan.

On this episode: 
Kathleen Benoza: Articles | Twitter 
Alyssa I. Smith: Articles 
Thu-Huong Ha: Articles | Twitter 
Jason Jenkins: Articles | Twitter | Instagram

Read more/Watch more: 

• Japan's economy to bloom as hanami season kicks off (Kathleen Benoza, The Japan Times)
• In Japan, cherry blossom forecasting is big business. Warming is making it harder (Thu-Huong Ha, The Japan Times)
• The Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo (Aimee Gardner, Tokyo Cheapo)
• Our guide to family hanami hot spots (Jason Jenkins, The Japan Times)
• Go west to enjoy a family hanami party (Jason Jenkins, The Japan Times)

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Photo: People wearing wigs that represent cherry blossoms drink in Tokyo’s Ueno Park in 2017. | JASON JENKINS