In Japan, the celebration of the blossoming cherry flowers is called the Hanami festival. Far from being an austere occasion, Hanami is the most exhilarating time of year to be in Tokyo. It's a time to savour: a rowdy celebration of Spring, renewal and rebirth, symbolized by the veritable orgy of palest pink petals forming millions of pom-poms for barely two weeks of the year. Kampai amidst a sunny snow flurry of flowers; feel ecstatic to be alive.
Usually modest and reserved Tokyo-ites are out in full force, literally at all times of day and night, having sake and Asahi fueled picnics. Entire offices will re-locate themselves under the sakura trees and spend the day eating, drinking, singing and carousing.
As a foreigner, stroll through any park during the Hanami season and you will be loudly invited to join practically every group of drunken picnickers you pass, whether or not they speak English or you speak Japanese. There is barely a patch of free grass however everyone manages to squeeze in, and all are welcome. You will leave well fed and slightly tipsy.
I would like to dedicate this post to Hanami 2010. Due to an atypical Spring in Vancouver, the cherry trees did not blossom all at once, but that did not stop me from having my own modest Hanami celebration.
I recently spent the day with a good friend making all manner of tasty delights. I was inspired by the picnic foods I remember eating in Yoyogi park near the famous Harajuku district in Tokyo. I couldn't help but put a bit of a
gaijin twist on everything, however the spirit of the food resides in the meticulously manicured parks and gardens of Fair Nippon.
