"Hey, Ethan!" Ken shouted, "Wait up."

"Hey, Ken. What's going on?" Ethan asked.

"You shot out of school pretty fast today. I had to run to catch up with you. Where are you going?"

"I'm heading over to Janston Park to meet my family for a picnic," Ethan replied.

"A picnic?"

"Yeah. This time of year the sakura are in full bloom. Sakura are cherry blossom trees that are native to Japan. Several U. S. cities have received sakura trees from Japan as a gift over the years. The big cities usually have a Sakura Festival during the blooming season. The festival celebrates the beauty of the sakura trees as well as Japanese culture. There is a lot of Japanese food, dancing, martial arts shows, and all sorts of activities."

"That sounds like fun," Ken said. "I especially like the part about food and martial arts."

"Yeah," Ethan grinned. "The food is really good, and the shows are pretty awesome, too. This year my family won't be able to travel to Washington, D. C. for the festival we usually attend."

"Why not?"

"My grandmother is sick, and someone needs to stay close by to look after her. Since we can't go to the big festival, my family is going to meet in the circle of sakura trees at Janston Park for a picnic meal. You're welcome to come if you want," Ethan offered. "There won't be any martial arts shows, but my parents will probably tell some traditional Japanese stories. My mom's food is always great."

"Say no more! I'm in," Ken said. "Let's go!"

What is one thing this story teaches the reader about the Japanese people?
They have an appreciation for beauty. (answered)