Japanese Community in NI Honors Tradition with Cherry Blossom Celebrations
Each year, a residential area in County Antrim transforms into a captivating spot for Japan’s diaspora in Northern Ireland when lines of cherry blossom trees come alive with blossoms.
The cotton-candy colored trees bring joy to both residents and guests at Merville Garden Village each spring as they turn the streets into a lovely shade of pink.
However, the blooms hold particular significance for the members of the Japan Society of Northern Ireland, who mark them during a customary Japanese 'Hanami' (flower appreciation) celebration.
Rather than hosting the typical festival organized by Merville House and the residents association, this year members from Japan Society NI's dance troupe marked the occasion in their distinctive manner.
Yukari Norris and Yoriko Marshall wore distinctive pink, yellow, and white patterned kimonos — the traditional Japanese summer attire for women — when they visited to admire the trees.
It’s all done to celebrate the arrival of their cherished ‘sakura’—or cherry blossoms—which holds great significance as a major motif in Japanese life.
In Japan, these stunning trees symbolize the fleeting nature of existence—here now and vanished soon. The cherry blossom is recognized as the nation’s floral emblem.
Every year, Yukari and Yoriko visit the cherry blossom trees at Merville Garden Village to reminisce about their memories of Japan, enjoying reflection time, meals, and even dancing.
Yukari explained to News NI that cherry blossoms hold great significance for Japanese people as they represent both beauty and the fleeting nature of life—thus emphasizing the importance of savoring every moment.
Each time there is a special event at our place or when someone starts their academic journey at school, we head to the cherry blossom tree for a photograph beneath it. This brings those cherished memories flooding back.
This makes me think of a lesson – since life isn’t eternal, you must savor each moment, much like the trees do.
After relocating to Northern Ireland 24 years ago from Kyoto, Yukari joins members of the Japan Society NI beneath the cherry blossoms for an event featuring a celebration, picnic, and a performance of a traditional Japanese folk dance.
She stated, "Fifteen years back, I initiated a dance group. Since I began dancing at the age of five, I aimed to find a means for us to perform and rejoice collectively."
Yukari's dance team is known as the 'Hannari' club, translating to 'elegance' in her hometown dialect.
Yoriko relocated to Northern Ireland 17 years ago following her encounter with her husband, who hails from Northern Ireland, having previously lived in Fukushima.
The cherry blossoms make me think of home," said Yoriko. "They fill me with nostalgia.
He even christened his daughter Sakura to represent just how much he cherishes the cherry blossoms and his homeland.
She mentioned, 'We organize our own cherry blossom viewing party because that’s something we long for back home.'
You can find us dancing anywhere; all we need is some music—that’s all there is to it.
'Instagrammable place'
Merville resident Linda Dennis says she gets plenty of "Asian visitors coming to see the trees."
"Japanese individuals strike poses and embrace the trees, which amuses us when we observe this behavior; however, we genuinely enjoy it. If we notice tourists taking selfies, we will intervene to assist them and snap photos for them," she explained.
Rory and his canine companion George have resided in Merville for four years, with Rory referring to it as an "extremely photogenic spot."
It appears that Louisa Morrison recognizes every person who passes by, along with their dogs.
She mentions that residing in Merville Gardens provides a "sense of well-being."
On a day like this, with the azure sky and the vibrant pink hues," she says. "It truly warms your heart. It simply makes you feel wonderful.
It's such a blessing to call this place home.
Merville Garden Village is designated as a conservation area with stringent guidelines and restrictions. Displaying flags, emblems, and even painting curbs is not allowed here, and all homes must be painted in the same shade of white.
Jane and Billy Stranney began their journey as a married couple in Merville 47 years ago. Following two decades abroad, they returned here a decade ago to spend their retirement days in this place.
She describes Merville as a "unique location."
"These fleeting yet stunning trees are a delightful sight to anticipate during this season," she remarked.
Jane believes the cherry trees are around 60 to 70 years old, potentially having been planted prior to the construction of Merville Gardens Village in 1949.
The cherry blossom festival has taken place annually for several years now, but unfortunately, it did not occur this year due to insufficient volunteers and financial support. The event had simply grown beyond manageable proportions.
What is the optimal time to view the trees?
The cherry blossoms of Northern Ireland, also known as 'pink confetti,' typically come into bloom from March through early June.
The blooms last for just a brief period.
Who planted the trees?
Claire Crawford from Merville House, the Georgian 18th-century mansion located within the premises of Merville Garden Village, stated that the Ulster Garden Villages deserve credit for planting the trees.
She mentioned that according to rumors, the trees were meant to be planted between Merville Gardens and the Georgian-style Abbey house in Whiteabbey, but Merville House ended up securing the location for themselves.
- Through images: Stunning visuals as spring blossoms
- Japanese envoy honors university flowers