What is your country's national flower?
In Japan, there is no official national flower,
but two kinds of flower are considered as de facto national flowers.
One of them is Sakura, cherry blossoms. Sakura is sometimes seen as a symbol of samurai.
Another is Kiku, chrysanthemum. This flower is used as the emblem of Japanese Imperial family, and so as an extension, it is also considered as the emblem of whole Japan.
Chrysanthemum conjures up the images of auspiciousness, dignity, autumn beauty and old Japanese traditon.
So, chrysanthemum cultivation itself becomes a traditional hobby, now.
In autumn, many chrysanthemum fairs are hold in Japan, and they are hold in Tokyo too.
One of the most famous chrysanthemum fairs, is Tokyo Chrysanthemum Fair.
Now, it changed its name as Tokyo Metropolitan Goverment Tourism Chrysansemum Exhibition, but it is still the biggest chrysanthemum fair in eastern half of Japan.
This year it is hold in Hibiya Park, at Kusachi Hiroba, from 1/Nov to 23/Nov.
You can enjoy many kinds of chrysanthemum and their beauty in many forms there.
Some samples can be seen at the following URL.
http://chiyoda-tokyo.sakura.ne.jp/pic-htm/kiku.htm
If you love flowers, this is the event for you.
