Spring in Tokyo seems to have brought, once again, a fantastic display of sakura (cherry blossoms) and everyone is hurrying about to go check 'em out during their brief appearance. This two-week period is ripe for ohanami, or going to enjoy the sakura with family, friends or coworkers and enjoying some food or sake while sitting beneath the pink tapestry. It's really crowded (more than normal) in places where there are nice displays. This year I went to the Koukyo (imperial palace) where i go jogging often. Everyone is a photographer, from the pros with multiples lenses and tripods, to young and old snapping off shots with cellphones. Along with pleasure, there is always a bit of pain it seems, and in this case that would be the notorious kafunshou (hayfever). I'd say like 1 out every 5 people walking around are donning a mask, so thats a lot of watery-eyed, coughing people! Shouganai, as they say (nothing you can do). The beautiful flowers perhaps ease the pain a bit ; )
