Tokyo Times

With the picture taking pandemonium that is cherry blossom season now not so far away, the earlier appearing petals of the plum tree kindly offer the capital’s hordes of camera-wielding hobbyists the perfect opportunity for some practice, meaning that no suitably flowering tree in Tokyo is free from attention — and that attention, more often than not, is of the meticulous variety,

with a perfect picture the main priority.

For a few others, however, it’s a somewhat slightly more casual affair, with simply the fragrant flowers,

a fairly decent photo,

and fending off flu much more to the fore.

But when all is said and done, and the somewhat forced cynicism is set aside, the effect is undeniably rather fetching, although such photos really aren’t my forte.

As public shows of affection are particularly frowned upon in Japan, even furtive or otherwise signs of fondness are few and far between; however, that’s not to say they never happen of course, and boldly straying way beyond the accepted limit of hand holding, this young couple courageously opted for a carefree canoodle at Shibuya crossing — possibly the most public place on the planet.

When it comes to carting stuff around the capital, a car is obviously convenient, but with parking spaces at a premium, both in regards availability and their apparent value, a bike, with a few added bits and bobs and a fair bit of balance, can at least be used to transport the likes of brushes, bottles and other less easily identifiable doodads.