152: The cherry blossoms are here and business is blooming

<div>It’s been three years since people in Japan could welcome spring with traditional picnics under the country’s millions of cherry trees. This week <strong>Kathleen Benoza</strong> explains how much money is at stake during the season, while <strong>Thu-Huong Ha</strong> and <strong>Alyssa I. Smith</strong> discuss the science, symbolism and culture surrounding the cherry blossoms in Japan. <br> <br> <strong>On this episode: </strong><br> Kathleen Benoza: <a href="https://www.japantimes.co.jp/author/int-kathleen-benoza/">Articles</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/KathleenBenoza">Twitter</a> <br> Alyssa I. Smith: <a href="https://www.japantimes.co.jp/author/alyssa-i-smith/">Articles</a> <br> Thu-Huong Ha: <a href="https://www.japantimes.co.jp/author/int-thu-huong-ha/">Articles</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/thu">Twitter</a> <br> Jason Jenkins: <a href="https://www.japantimes.co.jp/author/int-jason_jenkins/">Articles</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/JT_Jinki">Twitter</a> | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mrjinki1/">Instagram</a><br> <br> <strong>Read more/Watch more:</strong> </div> <ul> <li> <a href="https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/03/15/business/economy-business/cherry-blossoms-economic-impact/">Japan's economy to bloom as hanami season kicks off</a> (Kathleen Benoza, The Japan Times)</li> <li> <a href="https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/03/23/national/cherry-blossom-forecasting/">In Japan, cherry blossom forecasting is big business. Warming is making it harder</a> (Thu-Huong Ha, The Japan Times)</li> <li> <a href="https://youtu.be/oWY3fW2VpjQ">The Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo</a> (Aimee Gardner, Tokyo Cheapo)</li> <li> <a href="https://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2014/03/20/lifestyle/our-guide-to-family-hanami-hot-spots/">Our guide to family hanami hot spots</a> (Jason Jenkins, The Japan Times)</li> <li> <a href="https://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2018/03/18/lifestyle/go-west-enjoy-family-hanami-party/">Go west to enjoy a family hanami party</a> (Jason Jenkins, The Japan Times