Giving mimosa flowers for International Women's Day gradually growing in Japan

TOKYO -- March 8 is "International Women's Day," as designated by the United Nations, and in Italy men give mimosa flowers to women to mark the occasion. Recently, this culture has also been gradually growing in Japan.

According to Hibiya-Kadan Floral Co., based in Tokyo's Minato Ward, which sells fresh flowers, mimosa has long been popular as a dried flower in Japan. But over the past few years, some male customers have been buying them as gifts for International Women's Day.

At a Hibiya-Kadan Style outlet at JR Shimbashi Station, the yellow flowers are displayed in an area of the store, creating a pleasant atmosphere. Yayoi Takahashi, the store manager, said, "We hope people will enjoy mimosa flowers, which are said to bring happiness, and feel spring has arrived a little early."

(Japanese original by Takehiko Onishi, Photo Group)