2023 Cherry Blossom Recommended Reads

It is 2023 and I have another round of reads to recommend to you during this year’s beautiful Spring celebration and its new beginnings.

For those of you who are new here, Cherry Blossom season typically takes place sometime between late March and early April. East Asia, specifically Japan, is known for its dazzling cherry trees that send flurries of pink blossoms decorating the streets, parks, and neighborhoods. People from all over the world try to visit at least once during this time because as depicted by television, news, and anime, the landscapes around Japan have these beautiful backdrops of floral activity. These blossoms have not only become a grand tourist appeal but have also been included in media and literature frequently, symbolizing new beginnings and romance. Here are some books in 2023 you can read with those themes to help celebrate such a delicate time or feature beautiful cherry blossom art on the cover.

Sakura's Cherry Blossoms by Robert Paul Weston

The Sakura Obsession by Naoko Abe

Naomi’s Tree by Joy Kogawa

Fifty Words for Rain by Asha Lemmie

The Falling Flowers by Jennifer B. Reed & illustrated by Dick Cole

Here is also an excellent article on translated Haiku for the season.

Edited by Rebeca Edwards.