The cherry blossom (sakura) is Japan’s unofficial national flower. It has been celebrated for many centuries and plays an important role in Japanese culture. There are many dozens of different cherry tree varieties in Japan, most of which bloom for just a couple of days in spring. The Japanese celebrate that time of the year with hanami (cherry blossom viewing) parties under the blooming trees… this past weekend I visited Tokushima park to take part… The cherry blossoms were all in full bloom and the weather was great. Tokushima park is probably the most popular spot in the city to do the traditional picnic and every year a couple of Tokushima’s more popular foreigner hang-outs, Ingrid’s Bar and Big Brothers’ (sandwiches) throw a hanami party. Good times!…