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Japanese Bamboo: From Spring Delicacy to Symbol of Prosperity
Bamboo is one of the most beloved plants in Japan. It represents strength, purity, and growth, and appears in nearly every aspect of Japanese life — from cuisine to crafts and traditional New Year decorations. It’s also a sign of spring’s arrival, as young bamboo shoots begin to sprout across fields, marking a new season of renewal. Takenoko: The Taste of Spring Each spring, Japanese families look forward to harvesting takenoko, or baby bamboo shoots. These shoots grow incredibly fast — sometimes up to one meter per day! They’re dug up when only the tip appears above the soil, ...