Text by Deputy Director of Shonen Manga Group, Shueisha inc. and former Weekly Shonen Jump Editor in Chief, Hisashi Sasaki

Unlike the U.S. and many other countries, the Japanese school year begins in April. Many people start their next step in life at the same time of the year, whether it be a new grade, school or job. So for Japanese people, spring is the season of sad partings as well as new opportunities. 

As if to match this with perfect timing, the cherry blossom flowers bloom and fall in only a week or so. That’s why they are so special to the Japanese people. We’re happy to celebrate another spring with our loved ones under the sakura blossoms and hope to do so again next year. With this in mind, we share drinks and enjoy the beautiful blooming trees. This is what hanami (flower viewing) is all about. Do you now understand why all Japanese love hanami? That’s why it’s natural to see so many hanami scenes in manga.

I love hanami as well and participate every year. I do it with my friends and neighbors and of course with the editors of Shonen Jump. Near our office there are some famous Tokyo hanami spots like Chidorigabuchi and the area around the Emperor’s palace.

If any of you ever get the chance to visit Japan and can choose when to come, I would recommend April when the sakura are in bloom. Though it could be a problem for people with allergies! (LOL)

~Hisashi Sasaki

A Message from Toshiaki Iwashiro!

Hello, this is Iwashiro. Thank you so much to those who read and enjoy Psyren. I created this short story using the theme of spring. I would love to serialize a new series like Psyren in the future. Please look forward to it!

To read Sakuran (tentative), the special one-shot by Toshiaki Iwashiro, pick up the 04-01-2013 issue of Weekly Shonen Jump before the next issue comes out!