Made in JAPAN

SINCE THE BEGINNING of our cultural history in Japan, cherry blossoms have always been associated with the fleeting nature of beauty and life, a tinge of sadness in the shadow of euphoria. Their full bloom lasts only until the next gust of wind, ending in the breathtaking beauty of sakura-fubuki (cherry blossom blizzard). During the flourish of warrior ethos amongst Samurai, cherry blossom became the symbol of their honour code, in which life is valued not for its length but for your deeds. In a sense, it became the artistic metaphor and backbone of Samurai values, sometimes verging on a form of death cult, honouring self-sacrifice over inglorious survival and perseverance.

In Japanese villages,