Kawazu zakura is a variety of cherry blossoms that bloom early. This year, they flowered later than normal, but are now in full bloom in the town of Kawazu, Shizuoka Prefecture. On March 2, the weather was warm like spring. Many people visited and took photos along the Kawazu River, which is lined with about 850 cherry trees. The blossoms can be enjoyed until around March 9.

Japanese original

Easy Japanese news is taken from the Mainichi Shogakusei Shimbun, a newspaper for children. This is perfect material for anyone studying Japanese who has learned hiragana and katakana. We encourage beginners to read the article in English followed by Japanese, or vice versa, to test their comprehension.

A fresh set will be published every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 4 p.m., Japan time. Click/tap here for past installments.

Intermediate learners who do not need English assistance can directly access the Mainichi Shogakusei Shimbun site here. Furigana (hiragana) is added to all kanji in the text.