Hanami

Last week I received a text message from a Japanese friend. He wanted to know if I would like to go to a nearby river to view the cherry blossoms (sakura), this is called hanami (flower viewing).

Hanami is an important time of the year for many Japanese. The short life of the sakura is seen as a thing of wonder and beauty.

After walking along the riverside, both sides of which were covered with the stunning blossoms, I reflected on some of the differences in male society in Australia and Japan. In Japan it is perfectly natural to invite a male friend to go and look at flowers. I don't think this happens much in Australia.