The Japanese hold the cherry blossom very close to their hearts. The arrival of the ’sakura’ signals the start a new financial and school year. It’s a time to relax, rejoice and reflect with friends and colleagues. Masses of people flock to parks and other picturesque locations for ‘hanami’ (literally ‘flower viewing’; ‘hana’ = flower, ‘mi’ = to view).

Picnickers under the blossoms chat, laugh, sing and attempt to compose ‘haiku’ - Japanese poetry. Of course, much Japanese beer and sake is consumed in merriment. Viewing the blossoms at night when they are spectacularly lit up is a particularly breathtaking sight and makes for some stunning night-time photography.

Many Japanese companies send a scout to find the best picnic spot days in advance. The scout will reserve the spot, camping out as if in line for front row seats to a rock concert.

The ‘Sakura Zensen’ (Cherry Blossom Front) is studied and charted very seriously, almost scientifically. Each night on the news its progress is followed through Japan as the front tumbles northward in waves with the warmer weather of spring. The percentage of blossoms is announced in each area and predictions are made in a way not dissimilar to a weather forecast.