On April 23rd, the Asamushi Town Association in Aomori (TEL 017-752-2049 ) will hold an "Asamushi Hanami Party" in the former Asamushi Elementary School (Asamushi, Aomori City).

A cherry blossom viewing party that has been held as an annual spring event in the town for more than 10 years. The school grounds, where the event will be held, have old Yoshino cherry trees and weeping cherry trees that have been planted for over 100 years, making it a local cherry blossom spot. Many people visit from inside and outside the town during the flowering season. This year, the cherry blossoms are expected to bloom on the day of the cherry blossoms, as the cherry blossoms are in full bloom around the 15th.

Last year, the cherry blossom viewing party was called "Asamushi Sakura 100th Anniversary Festival" to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the planting of some of the cherry trees in the school grounds. According to a tally by the town council, there were about 300 visitors, 95% of whom were townspeople.

Hiroshi Narumi, director of the town council, said, "In the old days, the school grounds were used to hold athletic meets for the townspeople. Today, they are still a place for locals to relax and enjoy cherry blossom viewing."

At the cherry-blossom viewing party, a stage set will be prepared, and Asamushi townspeople and people from Asamushi will perform Taishokoto and bands. The "Asamushi Town Association Light Music Club (provisional name)", in which Yuji Abe, chairman of the neighborhood association, is the vocalist, will continue to appear last year and will perform nostalgic popular songs. On the day of the event, in addition to the stage program, there will be a karaoke competition with prizes that anyone can participate in on a first-come-first-served basis, a field experience, and a cotton candy corner.

The highlight of this year is the gospel chorus group "Alive", who will be performing for the first time at Asamushi. Shoji Onodera (resident of Asamushi), a former member of the jazz orchestra "New Beat" active in the prefecture, serves as the leader. Mr. Narumi says with a smile, "I'm particular about creating a stage with people who are related to the local community, rather than inviting performers from outside."

At the venue, a local town revitalization group will co-host the "Asamushi Sakura Festival". Mr. Narumi says, "At the 'Ohanami Party', the townspeople serve pork miso soup, but at the 'Asamushi Cherry Blossom Festival' there are about 10 food trucks lined up and you can experience workshops. Many people from outside the town also visit. I want it," he says. "The cherry blossoms are blooming early this year, so the cherry blossoms may be covered with leaves on the day, but I would like you to come visit Asamushi."

The event is held from 10:00 to 14:00. free entrance. Canceled during stormy weather.