With Tokyo’s state of emergency lifted just ahead of the cherry blossoms bursting into full bloom, concerns are rising that infections could rise as more people go out for their annual hanami outings. Visiting two of Tokyo’s key spots for cherry blossom viewing, The Japan Times asked visitors for their views on what can be done to enjoy the blossoms safely.
Strolling through Ueno Park, a 43-year-old man, said. “Hanami may become different in the future, but as long as we keep walking while watching the flowers, and wear masks when eating, we can safely have hanami from now on.”
For an 80-year-old woman and her daughter from Shinagawa Ward, walking along the Meguro River when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom is something of an annual tradition. “Due to the pandemic, my mother has fewer chances to go out, and her legs get weaker because of that,” said the daughter. “So a hanami walk is a good opportunity for her as well.”
“Restrictions on cherry blossom parties cannot be helped, since the times are like this,” a young woman said while visiting Ueno Park with her boyfriend. “But since it is right after the state of emergency was lifted, I am concerned that the number of cases may increase after this hanami rush.”
See bio link for full story. Interviews by Eriko Yamakuma; 📸 Ryusei Takahashi @ryuseitakahashi217 and Oscar Boyd @oscar.boyd
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Alo Japan.