"Sakura"
Japan Only
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"Sakura" |
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Japan issued this Sleeve March 2006 without a matching Starbucks Card. The standard core or "Comfy Red Chair" design was used with this issue. The print run was very limited and it's been rumored that each Japanese Starbucks store was only issued 10 each. If that's so, this will become a collectors treasure in the near future.
The design, just in time for Japanese flower viewing parties in March and April, shows the cherry blossom on a pink background. The wording on the front says: "A Gift Just For You"
Okay, now what does SAKURA mean? In Japanese it means: cherry blossom, or cherry blossom tree. Sakura hold a very special place in the Japanese heart. As far back as the 10th century the blossom has been considered the national flower, and it has been the subject of poetry, prose, and paintings over the ages. From the 10th century to the present day, hanami or "flower viewing" parties have been held in March and April to celebrate the ephemeral beauty of the delicate pink flower. "Sakura" is also a very popular Japanese female name.
