Brooklyn Rite of Spring

The annual celebration of cherry blossoms and Japanese culture took place a week ago at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Cherry blossoms (sakura) had become the celebrated spring flower at the garden where visitors can enjoy over 200 Japanese flowering cherry trees of over 30 different species and cultivars. In addition to "hanami" or flower viewing, visitors of all ages can enjoy music, workshops, and crafts that celebrate the culture of Japan and cherry blossoms. 

Japan Block Fair on Park Avenue

The annual Japan Block Fair took over part of Park Avenue (between 39th and 40th Streets) in midtown Manhattan yesterday. The street was filled with vendors selling Japanese cuisine and Japanese crafts. The Home Island Project performed the Awa Odori in traditional costume. The main attraction of yesterday's event was the New York Street Ramen Contest to find a style of ramen that is distinctly "New York". There was a long line of visitors who had the opportunity to sample the ramen creations of New Yorkers and vote for which style they liked the best.