Kiwis spring to cherry blossom festival

A Japanese event celebrating spring was held in central Auckland at the weekend to encourage different cultures to come together and learn more about Japan.

Cherry trees blossom in spring which, in Japan, falls in April. This event was originally planned earlier but due to the weather was postponed until Saturday.

Volunteer and English language student Nanako Kono said during springtime in Japan, friends and colleagues sit under the blossoms, eat food, drink and chat.

The trees are lit up at night. “It’s beautiful”.

More than 100 people weaved through the blossoms, basked in the sun, and got involved in various free activities including origami and drumming.

Ms Kono only arrived in New Zealand four weeks ago but was busy teaching the art of writing kanji, (traditional Japanese characters) on the day.

“We enjoy introducing kanji and many people were interested in us, so it was very exciting.”

“There are not many people who know about Japanese culture … so I want many people to know this. I want people to enjoy their weekend and this culture and be interested in our Japan,” Ms Kono said.

Fellow volunteer and English language student Eisuke Araki taught people origami.

“In primary school we usually learn how to make origami for elderly people and sometimes make cranes for [hospital] patients, one thousand!”

He, too, had been busy interacting with Kiwis and meeting new people.

Event organiser Ruby Nguyen, who is Vietnamese, was pleased with the turnout.

“We got nearly 700 people attending on Facebook. We do this because of the encouragement. People expected so much so we tried our best.

“We want everyone to enjoy, be happy and make good memories,” Ms Nguyen said.

She said Auckland was a multicultural place, so she wanted to create activities for people from all backgrounds to get involved in.

Ms Nguyen said people learn through doing cultural activities, not by watching.

“Let them experience the games and then they understand.

When asked if there would be a similar event next year, she said at this stage there would be.

“I think it’s a good opportunity for people to get good memories and be together.”