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| 2017 Hanami, Sumpu Castle Park |
Spring in Japan normally means cherry blossoms and hanami (viewing cherry blossoms). Normally, people picnic under the blooming cherry trees. It is a very important time in Japan. Last year we were warned against hanami parties because of the increasing cases of coronavirus, which was just then being named a pandemic. This year we are still not over the pandemic and with vaccinations just starting, it will be a long time before we are.
In Tokyo, it's not enough to just warn people about not holding sakura viewing parties, some city parks are cordoning off the areas to prevent the spread of the virus. Everyone everywhere is tired of distancing and staying home, but Tokyo and the surrounding prefectures are still under a "state of emergency". Tokyo Governor Koike wants people to avoid non-essential outings.
Here is the updated Cherry Blossom Forecast for Japan. It looks like March 20 for my area.
7 comments:
Pamela: How sad that they cannot picnic, can they at least walk by to view the blossoms, I hope so.
Have a very nice day
Catherine
I felt nostalgic!
Cherry blossom of this year is soon.We enjoy daily life while taking care of corona virus.
So sad to hear people can't have their picnics but them it js better to keep safe for now. Next year hopefully can be a big celebration.
In a situation like this, the best thing that can happen is that the weather turns nasty. No one will want to have a picnic in cold rain and strong winds. Beautiful flowers, warm balmy weather and stubborn virus - that is a lethal combination, the temptation to break rules and lose common sense is real.
I hope to see some blossoming trees while I swish by on my bicycle on our weekly grocery shopping tour.
I'm sure the Japanese ar far better behaved than the Americans are on such things. I hope so.
I hope you will be able to enjoy some blossom, even without a party.
It's sad that people have to miss out on the celebrations again, but I guess it can't be helped!
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