Hanami In Osaka

So last weekend at the height of cherry blossom season, we decided to go out to Osaka for a Hanami Party organized by wonderful and heroic Chairman Takeshi. Not only did Takeshi plan the whole thing, bring all the chairs and tables, and the food, he also drove us all the way to Osaka abd back again. How can we ever repay him? Probably in Heineken on his birthday.  

The sun was beginning to wane when we got to Osaka but this meant some really pretty photos of Osaka, and the sakura still looked lovely.

For those who don't know, in Japan the sakura blossoms are a BIG deal. There are reports on Sakura blooming like reports on weather. Day by day on the news a pink tide creeps northward over a map of japan.

People like to come out on weekends and sit under the trees, drinking copious amounts of alcohol, barbecued food and generally having a good time. This groupe went all out, with a barbeque and everything.

We didn't bring any barbecue, but almost as soon as we sat down, our little tables were covered in beer cans.

We were lucky enough to be seranaded along with the rest of the park by a highschool band. They played and danced such classics as the Doraemon them song, and AKB 48 number whose number I forget, and some jazz!

The sun has set, but the river looks beautiful in the dusk.

Sakura at night in the light of the street lamps.  there's nothing quite like them.
Hanami at night is a very different experience than at day. The flowers float in the darkness like some sort of  terrestrial coral. The harsh glow of the lamps brings out the whiteness of the petals and the green of the leaves like bright sunlight, but the background of darkness provides much greater impact than in the day.
The japanese naturally have a word for it　夜桜 (yozakura),  literally night sakura. 

We clean up after Takeshi flew through the air on the wings of Simeons arms, landing safely in the middle of the yellow table.

Heading back towards the car, Simeon no doubt reflects on a night well spent. It seems a shame that in Canada, we don't have the right to sit under Cherry blossoms and drink together with friends. Its certainly a fun experience a great way to meet new people and appreciate the ephemeral joys of springtime in Japan, while savouring tasty Japanese beer.