Tip:
Highlight text to annotate it
X
Thousands of people packed into the parks around Tokyo on Saturday as the first cherry
blossoms of spring started to bloom.
Schools and companies in Japan start their new year in the spring, and for many, the
light pink flowers of a blossom in full bloom symbolise new beginnings and fresh starts.
With the build-up of stress from work, it's good to take this once a year chance to see
the cherry blossoms and relax, my feelings are refreshed by this annual tradition.
To acknowledge the changing of the seasons: spring, summer, fall and winter is an important part
of the culture and that's also why I've come for the cherry blossom viewing.
The cherry blossom is one of the best known symbols of Japan, and as the spring begins
many people go out for blossom viewing picnics called "hanami" - but they have to do it quickly
as the cherry blossom season typically only lasts between a week and ten days.