In Japan "April" is called Uzuki. Uzuki is month is which unohana, small white flowers are in full bloom on the hedges. That is why the month is called --- U (Coming from unohana) and tsuki (the month) - together becomes Uzuki.            As April comes, the mercury rises and there are more and more warm days. Although snow may still be found in northern part of Japan, in other places cherry trees, yamabuki (small yellow flower) and other spring flowers are blossoming.

           In Japan, schools and companies begin their year in April. Each school greets the new term with an opening ceremony. For students beginning their first year at a new school, there is an entrance ceremony, in which the school principal gives a speech and teachers are introduced. Businesses hold entrance ceremonies as well. The company president makes a speech offering words of encouragement to the entering employees. The opening of the professional baseball season is also in April. In Japan, both adults and children love baseball.

           April is the season for flower viewing. O-hanami is a traditional spring event of enjoying cherry blossoms (Sakura). When the sakura are in bloom, people take o-bento(Lunch) and sake(Japanese wine) to some spot famous for the beauty of its cherry blossoms and they walk and have a picnic or a drinking party under the cherry trees. Yozakura (Yoru + Sakura), white cherry blossoms outlined against the night sky, have a special beauty. People stay out until late evening singing and dancing gaily. The cherry blossoms last about a week, and then young leaves grow quickly to cover the tree with green.

           (Note: Every year Indian Embassy, Japan also arranges a Sakura party in open air called as SAKURA BAZAR . The place where Indian Embassy is located is very famous for sakura, lots of sakura trees are there and the place looks absolutely divine. This year the sakura party will be held on 5th of April. Every year, I make it a point to go there not only because of the view but also the kind of food they sell in that party like - Dosa, Idly, Chat, Indian Sweets, Upma, Pav Bhaji, Chicken Tandoor, Mango Juice - all those mouth watering Indian food which we don't get here too often.)

           The 29th of April is Greenery Day, a national holiday. Actually, the current Emperor's Father's Birthday was on this day. So it used to be a National Holiday before. They are still maintaining it, only they have changed the reason. In the week from the end of April to the beginning of May, there are four national holidays, sometimes a designated holiday is added, so it becomes a "Big Scale Holiday Week - Golden week".