The Legend Of Sakura: A True Love Story

The legend of Sakura took place hundreds of years ago in ancient Japan. At that time, the feudal rulers fought terrible battles in which many humble warriors died. It plunged the whole country into a deep sorrow over the destruction. There were few moments when the country felt peace. A new war would start right after another had ended.

Despite this, there was a beautiful forest, which not even war could touch. The forest was full of leafy trees that smelled of delicate perfumes and gave comfort to the despairing inhabitants of ancient Japan. No matter how many wars were going on, none of the armies dared to invade the beautiful forest.

However, there was one tree, among the many in the forest, that never bloomed. Although the tree was full of life, it had no flowers on its branches. Because of this, it looked skinny and dry, as if it were dying. However, it was not. It might seem like it was just not meant to flourish.

A touch of magic

The tree was very lonely. The animals that lived in the forest would not come close. They were afraid that the strange evil that hung over it would infect them. The grass would not grow around the tree for the same reason. Loneliness was the tree’s only companion. However, the legend of Sakura says that a fairy felt sympathy for the tree when she saw how old it looked, despite the fact that it was a young tree.

One night, the fairy came to the side of the tree. She told the tree in kind words that she wanted to see it bloom, she wanted the tree to look beautiful and radiant. And she was willing to help. Thus, she would use her powers to throw a spell over the tree that would last for 20 years. During that time, the tree would be able to feel what a human heart feels. Maybe this way it would be happy again, and feel ready to flourish.

The fairy explained to the tree that, thanks to the magic formula, it could transform from plant to human and vice versa at any time. If, on the other hand, the tree was not able to regain its vitality and inner light after 20 years, it would die immediately.

The meeting with Sakura

Just as the fairy had said, the tree could transform between being human and plant whenever it wanted. The tree transformed into a human being, and remained in that shape for a long time to see if human emotions could help it to finally flourish. However, it was a big disappointment for the tree in the beginning. No matter how much the tree looked around, it saw only war and hatred. After this it returned to its original plant form.

The legend of Sakura goes on to say that many years came and went, and nothing changed. No matter what the tree did, it could not find a way out of the miserable condition it was in. But then, one afternoon, it decided to turn into a human again. Then it went to a crystal clear stream, and there it saw a beautiful young lady. Her name was Sakura. The tree was very impressed with her beauty, so it decided to move closer.

Sakura was very kind to it. In return for her kindness, the tree helped her carry water to her house, which was nearby. They had a lively conversation where they talked about the terrible wars that were going on in their country, and the many dreams they had for the future.

Friendship flourishes

When Sakura asked the tree what it was called, the tree said Yohiro. The two became very close friends. They would meet often to talk, sing, read poems to each other and tell incredible stories. The more the tree became acquainted with the beautiful Sakura, the more it wanted to always be by her side. Every day the tree would count down the minutes until it could finally be with her again.

The legend of Sakura then tells that Yohiro could not endure any longer, and decided to acknowledge his love for Sakura. In addition, Yohiro also told the truth about what it really was: a troubled tree that would soon die because it could not bloom. Sakura was shocked and remained silent for a while.

More time came and went, days and nights, and the 20 years were soon over. Yohiro, who went back to being a tree, still felt sad, and became sadder with each passing day.

The legend of Sakura, miraculous love

Late one afternoon, when the tree least expected it, Sakura came up next to the tree. She squeezed the tree hard and told it that she felt the same way. She did not want the tree to die. At that moment, the fairy reappeared and asked Sakura if she wanted Yohiro to remain in human form, or if she would bond with Yohiro as a tree.

Sakura looked around and remembered the war. Then she decided. She chose to bond with Yohiro as a tree. And the miracle was performed. The two became one, and the lonely tree could finally blossom. Their love has perfumed the Japanese fields ever since. The legend of Sakura shows us that another person can bring out the best in us.