Viewing the Cherry Blossoms in Shizuki Park

  We're off for a picnic beneath the cherry trees in Shizuki Park.
In the balmy spring sun we open our lunch boxes and munch on rice balls while taking in the sight of the blossoms.
  Soon we find ourselves more absorbed in the food than the flowers.
We dance a joyful dance intoxicated on the spectacle of the cherry blossoms - or is it the sake?
  From somewhere wafts the sound of singing. A cherry blossom dance in a shower of petals.
  Strangers gather as the blushing pink blossoms bloom high and low in all their glory.

Located on the ruins of Hagi Castle, Shizuki Park is planted with some six hundred cherry trees of the Somei Yoshino and Midori Yoshino varieties. No one could ever never tired of the sight of the pale pink blossoms flowering on the branches and scattering in the breeze, a symbol of evanescence. From any angle, the cherry blossoms in full bloom with Mount Shizuki in the background make a perfect picture.

Afternoon on the Aiba River

All day, reflected in the gently moving stream, I watch the carp swimming. A friend arrives soon after lunchtime, and we spend a balmy afternoon together munching on rice balls. I hear a ring-a-ling: it's that pretty girl again, whooshing by on her bike. Today's a lazy day. The Aiba River flows leisurely, and occasionally a cat stalks the fish as the city is mirrored in the waters amid the fresh green of spring.
*In the old days the Aiba River was used to carry timber and other supplies from the mountains to the castle by raft, via the Abu River. Today a stream stocked with carp, it remains a fond part of the local people's lives, a treasured reminder of Hagi's past.

Oshikurago: A Traditional Japanese Boat Race

The seasonal rains have let up for a moment, and the boat glides along the river.
It slices through the waters as we row. On and on it goes.
Our brows are bound with headbands, our palms are sweaty. Behind us cheers resound.
Together we strain upstream through the flying spray toward the goal.
We shout in unison as the boat swerves.
There's that girl again, among the swaying pines on the bank. Time to give it our all!
Note: The Oshikurago, the traditional Japanese boat race held in the Tamaeura district of Hagi, is one of the city's big attractions. (Oshikurago refers specifically to a boat race in which traditional Japanese-style boats, each carrying several crewmembers, are propelled along by means of a scull and oars.) The boats are manned by youths in twisted headbands and loincloths, who send the silver spray flying with the beat of their oars, shouting in rhythm to each stroke. It's truly a nail-biting race!