Mokuyokai's ohanami celebration made it into the April 26th edition of Vancouver Shinpo!

Here's the English version of the Vancouver Shinpo article:

                                [Mokuyokai Ohanami] Held at Queen Elizabeth Park

Vancouver Mokuyokai hosted an ohanami [cherry blossom viewing] event at Queen Elizabeth Park from 3pm on April 14th. The weather was clear and warm on the day of the event, with many people coming for to see the cherry blossoms. This is the 28th time that Mokuyokai has celebrated ohanami.

Until last year, Mokuyokai had held the ohanami in UBC’s Nitobe Garden and Asian Centre. However, this year was different than in the past. When Mokuyokai president Michael Marland was asked why, he said “If we had done it the same as in previous years, we couldn’t have sat down (on blue tarps) like we did this time. We wanted to hold a traditional Japanese ohanami event this year, and also by doing it this way anyone can participate.”

Next to Mokuyokai, the Vancouver Japanese Meetup Group was also holding an ohanami event. This was the idea of the directors from both groups.

As well, when I talked with one of the Mokuyokai board members, Shaun Krislock, he noted “We chose the date for this year’s ohanami about 10 days ago. We scheduled it based on when the cherry blossoms would be in bloom. For me, this is the first time I’ve experienced a Japanese-style ohanami.”

I received the following comments from participants:
“We’re lucky to have such great weather” (Japanese woman)
“It’s fun to sit under a tree and enjoy the cherry blossoms” (Man who has lived in Canada for many years)
“It’s great, really feels like ohanami” (Man who biked to the event)
“I knew about the Japanese tradition of ohanami, but this is the first time I’ve actually experienced it. It’s really great. (Man from Taiwan)

                                          Mokuyokai – Vancouver Mokuyokai Society

A non-profit organization formed in 1982 with the goal of improving cultural understanding between Japan and Canada. Many of the Canadian and Japanese members are either those with a personal interest in Japan or have business connections there. Throughout the year, Mokuyokai plans numerous events such as hiking and curling for both members and non-members. This year’s ohanami is one of them. As well, Mokuyokai is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. To commemorate, a grand bonenkai (year-end party) is being planned. For more information on Mokuyokai or upcoming events, visit www.mokuyokai.bc.ca.