Hanami: WELCOMING SPRING WITH THE PEOPLE OF JAPAN
Once upon a time in Tokyo, with the aid of a Japanese friend and some model-release forms, we spent a glorious day in Yoyogi Park asking a variety of strangers to take to my picnic blanket for a photograph. Not everyone we asked obliged, but on the whole it was a success.
Hanami or cherry-blossom viewing is a pursuit undertaken by what seems like the whole of Japan in the short space of time when the buds spring into life. I wanted to convey the fact that this is something people from all ages and all walks of life get involved with.
If I could add sound, you would be overwhelmed by the throng of people laughing, eating, drinking and celebrating the joy of the new season.
Sake and games with friends. Three men celebrate the arrival of the cherry blossom in Yoyogi Park, Tokyo.
I asked a variety of strangers to take to my picnic blanket for a photograph and couldn't believe my eyes when this old guy set himself up in the splits!
I had enjoyed watching this guy wander around Yoyogi Park with his selfie stick, so asked if he would sit for a picture.
Four friends have collected their supplies to help celebrate the arrival of the cherry blossom in Tokyo.
With the aid of a Japanese friend and some model-release forms, we spent a glorious day in Yoyogi Park, asking a variety of strangers to take to my picnic blanket for a photograph.
Family and friends gather to enjoy the beautiful budding of the cherry blossom trees in Yoyogi Park, Japan
Alone, or with friends... Cherry-blossom viewing is a pursuit undertaken by what seems like the whole of Japan in the short space of time when the buds springs into life.
I wanted to convey the fact that celebrating the arrival of the Cherry Blossom in Japan, is something people from all ages and all walks of life get involved with.