Little Himeko hadn't expected Sirin to strike up a conversation with her, so she hurriedly began chatting with Sirin about cherry blossoms as well. Once Sirin and little Himeko got talking, Aurora and the other two gradually joined in too.
Watching the people around her, who had initially been somewhat unfamiliar with one another, get along so quickly, Himeko couldn't help smiling.
Just like that, they passed through a path scattered with falling cherry blossoms and entered the park. There were quite a few people in the park, though it wasn't crowded. After all, this wasn't a major metropolis like Tokyo, but plenty of people had still come in groups to admire the blossoms.
Some had come with family, friends, or classmates and teachers; some had even come with their entire company. Many were dressed in kimonos, full of ceremonial flair. Though Far East corporate culture was known for its high pressure and endless overtime, people still refused to miss this tradition. Every cherry blossom season, one could see many office workers in suits, organized by their companies to visit famous blossom-viewing spots together. After all, it was considered as important as New Year's and the Obon Festival.
"Himeko, there's a good spot up ahead. Let's go claim it!"
In the Far East, viewing cherry blossoms wasn't just about walking around and admiring the blooming trees. It required a bit of ceremony.
It was also a tradition of the country. During cherry blossom season, people in the Far East would arrive early at famous viewing spots to claim a beautiful blooming cherry tree. They would spread a plastic sheet beneath it, set out a small table, and wait for their family, companions, or colleagues to arrive. Then everyone would sit together beneath the tree, enjoy the food they had