Sakura

Hanami ;  A Cherry blossom viewing party/picnic.

What is it with Japanese people and cherry blossoms?  They are crazy for them.  Is it because the blossom's ephemeral nature is such a pertinent reminder of the very impermanence of our own lives?  Is it the way they signal the beginning of the new school year stirring up memories of times past and loves lost? Or is just an excuse to sit in the park on a blue tarpaulin and start drinking from lunchtime?