In college, my Asian studies professor asked us to consider how Asia would be di…

In college, my Asian studies professor asked us to consider how Asia would be different if bamboo didn’t exist. From scaffolding which allowed the building of tall pagodas (I’m old enough to remember when Hong Kong buildings were clad with bamboo scaffolding) to ochasen (お茶筅), those whisks used in tea ceremony, bamboo is an integral part of Asian society.

The new Sakuramachi complex has figured out a new use for bamboo: Make a Christmas tree out of it! I mean,why not? It is illuminated by about 1,000 LEDs (which, for you language nerds, is called “hakko daiode” - 発光ダイオード - but LED is probably better understood). A photo of this would probably make a good Christmas card for your folks back home. - William