Known in Japan as Ohanami, a celebration marking the beginning of the spring season was hosted by the University’s Asian Studies department Friday night. The fourth annual event was held in the Mileti Alumni Center where students, faculty and community members gathered to observe the first cherry tree blossoms of the year.
During spring, cherry blossom viewing parties and cherry blossom festivals are held all over Japan. Cherry blossom viewing has been a Japanese custom since the seventh century when the aristocrats enjoyed looking at the cherry blossoms and wrote poems about them, according to about.com.
Several years ago the BGSU Alumni Chapter of Tokyo donated cherry trees to the University in hopes to mimic a similar gift given from the people of Tokyo to the United States in 1912. Soon there after, three of the trees that were planted in Washington, D.C. were given to the University, which are now planted on the north side of the Alumni Mall. BGSU is the only university in the country to have received cuttings from the original Washington, D.C. trees, according to Asian Studies supervisor Akiko Jones.
Despite the poor weather, Friday’s event attracted a record number of guests, which was “a true delight” for Jones.
“The trees were blooming beautifully last weekend, but the rain and cold has not been good for them,” she said.
During her opening remarks, Jones stressed the way the cherry festival on campus brings members of the community and University together to celebrate Asian Studies. She also mentioned the way in which the flowers symbolize the strong relationship between the United States and Japan.
“There are more Asian Studies students at BGSU than philosophy majors,” she said. “There’s such a great relationship with the students and staff, that’s why I couldn’t retire.”
The evening was opened with the singing of the official cherry blossom song by a group of Asian Studies students dressed in traditional Japanese kimonos.
“Spring has gone away for now,” Jones said. “But hopefully singing this song will help bring spring back soon.”
Also present was Bowling Green Mayor John Quinn.
“Ohio takes pride in its many ethnic backgrounds and we salute Akiko Jones for her efforts and continued success with this event,” Quinn said. Quinn said he always wants people to know about the great things the University is doing and this event was one of them.
Asian Studies student Beth Dutridge was pleased with this year’s cherry blossoming festival.
“Everything is good,” she said. “Each year more alumni come out and it’s always great to see the community of Bowling Green supporting us.”
Other festivities of the night included traditional Japanese games, calligraphy, origami, raffle drawings and two karate demonstrations.