h a z a k u r a - 葉桜

"Hazakura is a term that refers to cherry trees during the period after the cherry blossom falls and the trees start to sprout new leaves until the cherry trees are totally covered with new leaves of tender green, or to such scenes."

This piece is dedicated to the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington DC taking place from March 20 - April 16, 2023

This piece was written from the inspiration of the grandeur and majesty of the cherry blossoms in Washington DC. A gift from the Japanese in 1912, cherry blossoms entered our nation's capital, and the first two saplings were planted by president Taft and his wife. The trees bloom yearly to this day, where they have thrived every late March into April for one hundred and ten years.

"Hazakura" shows the juxtaposition of frail, beautiful blossoms and the bombastic grandeur of the capital of the most bustling nation on Earth. After all is said and done, there will be "new leaves of tender green;" hazakura.