ISLAMABAD: Naoko Wada, spouse of the Japanese ambassador, celebrated ‘Hina Matsuri’ and ‘Hanami’ at her residence on Monday.

Hina Matsuri, which is a dolls festival, is celebrated on March 3 during which Japanese families with young girls display dolls, wishing for their sound growth, health and happiness.

Hanami is the Japanese traditional custom that celebrates the ephemeral beauty of flowers, especially cherry blossom in spring.

These traditions began more than 1,000 years ago in Japan.

The event started with an informative lecture on Hina Matsuri and Hanami, which was followed by lunch under the cherry blossoms specially cooked for the occasion by a professional Japanese chef. They also celebrated the emperor’s birthday, which was on Feb 23.

Published in Dawn, March 1st, 2022