20180205 Addition

“I’m the man who makes flowers bloom in winter!”

Masamitsu Shibue

Keio Cherry Blossoms

The important factor in the production of Keio Cherry Blossoms is “temperature.” When the temperature is low, the trees enter a dormant phase, before the temperature increases and the flowers come into bloom. It is particularly important for cherry blossoms to rest at a temperature of 8 degrees and under. Then, when you increase the temperature after that by soaking them in hot water, they wake up and open their buds under the illusion that “spring has come.”

Regulating the timing at which the flowers bloom in accordance with the shipping period and place of use is a difficult task. If the fields where the trees are grown are not well drained, the cherry blossoms decompose, so we are careful when it comes to wastewater management.

In Takahata, there is an expression, “Gatteshine.” This word is also used to denote “inner strength,” and the cherry blossoms here are also a perfect example of this. Their supple, thin branches produce a large number of buds, which bloom into pale pink flowers with a voluminous feel.

We have been producing Keio Cherry Blossoms for 10 years. In the early days, we made mistakes, like when we made 100 bundles that we could not sell, yet thanks to these experiences we have been able to increase our production.

The large cherry blossoms used at Haneda Airport stand 3 meters tall, and since it takes time and effort to promote their growth, we are currently the only farm that supplies them. I will continue to give my all as the “man who makes flowers bloom in winter.”