Easy Japanese news in translation: Cherry trees in full bloom in northern Japan

Somei Yoshino cherry trees came into full bloom on April 19 at Hirosaki Park in the city of Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture. The park is nationally known as a cherry blossom viewing spot. Somei Yoshino trees started blooming at the park on April 14, eight days earlier than normal years. The Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival is being held at the park. Visitors were enjoying hanami as they ate while strolling and took pictures of the blossoms.

Note: Hanami literally means “blossom viewing,” but is often about enjoying cherry blossoms while eating and drinking.

Japanese original

The easy Japanese news is taken from the Mainichi Shogakusei Shimbun, a newspaper for children. This is perfect material for anyone studying Japanese who has learned hiragana and katakana. We encourage beginners to read the article in English followed by Japanese, or vice versa, to test their comprehension.

A fresh set will be published every Monday to Friday at 4 p.m., Japan time. Click/tap here for past installments.

Intermediate learners who do not need English assistance can directly access the Mainichi Shogakusei Shimbun site here . Furigana (hiragana) is added to all kanji in the text.