Desktop 'Magic Sakura' Cherry Tree Springs Into Bloom

Spring is almost here, and for those in Japan (and Washington D.C.) that means the cherry blossoms are about to bloom! Now the rest of us can get in on the fun, thanks to the Magic Sakura fake flowering tree!

Sakura is the name of the Japanese flowering cherry tree, a distinct species of cherry  that puts forth beautiful showy flowers every spring. When the flowers pass their prime and the petals begin to fall, Japanese (and Washingtonians) hold cheery Hanami (flower viewing) parties beneath the soft shower of fragrant blossoms.

All well and good, but sometimes the nearest Sakura is farther than one can spit a cherry pit, or the weather outside isn't conducive to drunken partying - like there's such a thing. In any case, those needing a Hanami fix should look no further than Magic Sakura - more fun than a Chia Pet and just as easy to grow!

Magic Sakura isn't actually a tree, though it IS made out of paper. Just unpack from the plastic package, unfold and stand it up to its full 13.5cm (5.3 inch) height - ideal for that empty space on your office desktop. Then drizzle the somewhat miserable faux bonsai with the included "magic water" and wait a couple of hours... pink buds begin to appear and before long your tiny tree is looking like a bloomin' blushing bush!

The rest is up to you - party on, dudes, but remember guys & geishas: everything in moderation. You don't want to confuse your Magic Sakura with a batch of Lucky Elephant Pink Candy Popcorn, amiright?

Get your very own Magic Sakura for just 680 yen (about $7.50) from the Japan Trend Shop website. (via Japan Trend Shop and Digital Gadgets Freak)