Photographs from a small group of islands
A cliché it may well have become, but the humble cherry blossom is still quite rightly seen as symbolising the transient beauty of life. The ephemeral nature of which unfortunately doesn’t stretch to Tokyo’s crowds.
At this time of year, there are few things that can avert people’s eyes from the cherry blossom or their booze, but a fella in a frilly frock would appear to be one of them.
Tokyo’s cherry blossoms may well be associated with large amounts of booze, but they are a yearly pleasure enjoyed by people of all ages. From pensioners like the ones posted last week. To the young families photographed below. A simple social event that more than anything brings lots of people together. And, in doing so, for a few hours at least forces the far less pleasant aspects of life to fade away.
After the curtailment of cherry blossom-related festivities last year, there’ll be no holding back whatsoever this time. In fact, so keen are revellers to get sat down and sink a beverage or two, that many areas are already busy, despite there being very little in the way of blooms, let alone a beautiful blanket of them.
However, for this elderly hanami gathering, it’s hard to decide whether it was an early, or late visit.
What on earth this little old lady was carrying in her bag will forever remain a mystery, but considering its obvious weight and substantial size, my guess is it was another little old lady.
