Learn English with the News: “Cherry blossoms flower in Japan”

Good morning!

Did you enjoy Easter? We hope you had a relaxing holiday! Now it’s time to begin learning English again. So, are you ready?

Today’s news is all about flowers, specifically: cherry blossoms. In one of Japan’s most crowded parks, Ueno, the cherry blossoms have attracted hundreds of parties to sit under the trees and enjoy the beauty.

There are more than 1000 trees in the street leading up to the pond, so you can imagine just how pretty Japan looks right now.

1. Read the text
2. Understand vocabulary
3. Watch the video

Text

They’re finally here – the pink and white blossoms that signal Spring in Japan. 1,200 cherry trees make Tokyo’s Ueno Park the place to be.

And for many Japanese, this year’s cherry blossom festival is a welcome respite following the disasters which struck the country in March 2011. And even though authorities erected signs encouraging self-restraint, revelers were determined to celebrate.

– During last year’s cherry blossom season we were down after the earthquake. But now Japan is energetic again, so I’m happy to enjoy myself with my colleagues today.

– I’m still a bit wary to let my hair down when I think of the people in northern Japan, but this is the only season for it, so we’d better enjoy the cherry blossoms and reinvigorate ourselves.

And as night falls, cherry blossom-viewing still continues by the light of lanterns.

– We’ve been in a dark mood since the earthquake last year, but this year the paper lanterns are lit as we’re all feeling a bit brighter, so I’m very glad.

Cold weather delayed this year’s cherry bloom and Tokyo’s trees are expected to reach their peak around April 7th and 8th.

Vocabulary

Blossoms – a flower especially of a fruit tree.

Respite – a short period of time when you are able to stop doing something that is difficult or unpleasant or when something difficult or unpleasant stops or is delayed.

Struck – to affect (someone or something) suddenly in a bad way : to cause damage, harm, illness, etc., to (someone or something).

Erected – to set or place (something) so that it stands up.

Encouraging – causing a hopeful feeling.

Self-restraint – control over your own actions or feelings that keeps you from doing things you want to do but should not do.

Revelers – a person who is celebrating with other people in usually a wild and noisy way : a person who is taking part in revelry.

Let my hair down – an expression that means to relax and enjoy yourself.

Reinvigorating – to cause (something) to become more active and lively.

Delayed – to wait until later to do something : to make something happen later.

Peak – the highest level or degree of excellence, quantity, activity, etc.

Video

(To view the video click here)

If you are Japanese or currently visiting Japan we would love it if you shared a cherry blossom photo on our Facebook wall!