Danica Davidson
March 24, 2022 
It’s spring, and in Japan, spring is associated with cherry blossoms, called “Sakura” in Japanese. There’s a famous traditional Japanese folk song called “Sakura Sakura” that Japanese people have sung for many years in spring time, and now everyone’s favorite Pokémon Pikachu is in on the action.
Technically, it’s three Pikachus, and they’re doing a dance that’s reminiscent of the classical Japanese performing art of dance known as Nihon-buyo. The video also contains Japanese subtitles, probably to help young fans read.
But even if you don’t read Japanese, SoraNews24 has provided a translation:
“Sakura sakura
(Cherry blossoms, cherry blossoms)
No yama mo sato mo
(In the mountains, in the villages)
Miwatasu kagiri
(As far as I can see)
Kasumi ka kumo ka
(Is it the mist? Is it the clouds?)
Asahi ni niou
(I can smell them at the morning sun)
Sakura sakura
(Cherry blossoms, cherry blossoms)
Hanazakari
(In full bloom)
Sakura sakura
(Cherry blossoms, cherry blossoms)
Yayoi no sora wa
(In the spring sky)
Miwatasu kagiri
(As far as I can see)
Kasumi ka kumo ka
(Is it the mist? Is it the clouds?)
Nioi zo izuru
(Their scent comes to me)
Iza ya iza ya
(Come, come now!)
Mi ni yukan
(Let us go to see them)”
While Pikachu gets involved in modern technology, like jets, this isn’t the first time Pokémon has been associated with traditional Japanese interests. For instance, last year Pokémon teamed up with the Japan Sumo Association. At the time, Tsunekazu Ishihara, Pokémon Company president, remarked that he hoped this teamwork got people around the globe more interested in sumo, and also said, “This year, Pokémon is celebrating its 25th anniversary, but in comparison to the long history and deep traditions of sumo, our story has barely begun.”
So perhaps the idea behind this video is also to get more people interested in traditional Japanese song, dance, and festivities around cherry blossoms.
Source: SoraNews24
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Danica Davidson is the author of the bestselling Manga Art for Beginners with artist Melanie Westin. She is also the author of its upcoming sequel, Manga Art for Everyone, and the first-of-its-kind manga chalk book Chalk Art Manga, both illustrated by professional Japanese mangaka Rena Saiya. Check out her other comics and books at www.danicadavidson.com.
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