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Sakura, or Cherry Blossoms, Trains

Spring has not come to Japan yet, but here in Japan, preparations for Spring have been going on.

Spring has a special meaning for Japanese people.   Not just one of the four seasons Japan can enjoy, but it also means the time when things will get started.  School starts in April and university graduates start their professional career as well.  Sakura (English: Cherry Blossoms), in their utmost bloom,  cheer for those who are anxious about their new life.   

Sakura takes an inspirational role even before spring.  February and March are the time for entrance examinations.  Junior high and high school students sit for higher educational opportunities.  They are nervous about the upcoming exams, but are encouraged by Sakura trains, as shown in the picture below.  The followings are pictures of Nagoya Railroad's (Meitetsu)  "Sakura Trains" decorated with cherry petals (the picture below).

The train carries a lot of inspiring messages along with Cherry Blossoms decorations (shown in the picture below).  The messages are generally direct (e.g., "You can do it"), but sometimes subtle and witty (e.g., "You can make your desired university Alma Mater", Japanese: Shiboukou wo Bokou ni shiyou! ).   

Some trains even have lucky charms (which can be purchased in Shinto shrines) on their straps (shown in the picture below).  The charm has the red and white strips, which signifies "good luck," accompanied by the written message alongside "seize the victory" on a small wooden board.  Exam-takers don't have to pay an actual visit to Shinto shrines for praying for good performance at the examinations.  The hanging auspicious charms are cheering for them.

Another interesting use of Sakura:  

These days, computers have become very handy and useful to know the results of students' entrance exams, especially for those who live far away from their prospective campuses.  A little while ago, telegram was used to notify such long-distant students of the test results by concise telegram messages: "Sakura Saku" or "Sakura Chiru."

"Sakura Saku" literally means cherry blossoms flower, while "Sakura Chiru" cherry buds fall.    "Sakura Saku" means, as you can easily imagine, passing the entrance exams.  This is good news for the entrance examinees.  On the other hand, "Sakura Chiru" means that students failed in the exams.

One of the best songs which depict how Japanese people cherish Sakura:

Sakura, literally and figuratively,  colors and cheers for the departure for the new life, in March and April.  Sakura, which does not last long itself, encourages new endeavours to seize the moment despite possible difficulties in life.  The strong message is that we should live to our potentials without worrying too much, because life is as short as Sakura's!  This song 'Sakura" by Naotaro Moriyama surely touches your heart.
Here is another video of the same song, but of depicting a little more scenic beauty of cherry blossoms.

Sakura and Togetsu Kyou Bridge (渡月橋) in Kyoto

Don't you find it very aesthetic that Sakura, or cherry blossoms, play a very important role in Japanese life?

If you are interested in other Sakura posts, please check these out: Time to View Cherry Blossoms and Cherry Blossoms.