I was back in Tokyo this week - and coincidentally, it turned out, at the peak of the cherry blossom season (fortunately for me, since it is earlier than normal - and yesterday was "full bloom day" as declared by local horticulture society). I say season, but this is typically a week at best, some years only a few days (high winds / rain shortens it further). Naturally the highly ephemeral nature of the blossoms make the event as symbolic as it has become in Japan. The city was strikingly beautiful - feels like there are hundred thousands of cherry trees, all of them blooming exactly at the same time, each just ablaze with flowers and little to no leaves, the total sight is just truly moving. But beyond the physical beauty, there is something else - an underlying sense of community and festivity that is binding across both locals and visitors alike. There's a Christmas-like feel here, not unlike the tulip season in Amsterdam, or grape harvesting season in Burgundy - except it is much shorter and thus, perhaps more intense. "You are honored to enjoy sakura", I was told by a senior executive at a client (soon, hopefully customer). I think he was right. I wish I had brought my wife and kids and we could have spent the weekend here. (this photo is from a quiet neighborhood street in Akasaka)
Most of these posts are written from airports between check in and flight boarding times. I fly about two airplane flights a week with at least 30 mins of wasted time in the checkin to board process. That's more than two full days per year in time that could be put to better use. This is written in reclaiming some of that time. Enjoy
