Hey all you Backers!

Spring is the time for growth and trying out new things, like watching FX's 2022 show, The Bear, and almost tasting the Michelin-worthy food in its kitchens.

Moreover, April showers may bring May flowers, but there are still plenty of petals to be seen, especially at Joetsu's annual "sakura hanami", or cherry-blossom festival. On this episode, we get to the roots of one of Japan's top three major night cherry blossom spots, from its origins as an aesthetic treat for Japan's troops, to a full-blown 17-day festival.

As next year will be the 100-year anniversary of the event, go ahead and reserve your place for a truly memorable, yet ephemeral, experience.

References:

-https://www.joetsutj.com/articles/52028357

-https://joetsukankonavi.jp/kanoukai/about/

-https://www.city.joetsu.niigata.jp/uploaded/attachment/142730.pdf

Support your local hanami and thanks for listening!

Josh