More hanami parties

In addition to the Shinjuku Gyoen hanami party, I also visited Yasukuni shrine, where I saw many office workers celebrating. Because it was April 1, it was also the start of Japanese companies fiscal year, and the date that many new hires start. The shrine was full of black suits. I noticed that in addition to food stalls, there were a few guys selling beer by the case, and delivering them to larger groups. The female employees had to pour drinks and serve the food. I don’t envy their company role.

My friend at Hitachi took me to visit Matsugaoka in north Nakano and the small Tetsugakudo Park. Despite it being a prime hanami weekend, the small park seemed to only attract local residents. It was more family-oriented and local.

I like how Japanese refer to these blue sheets in Katakana English as “leisure sheets.” If you are invited to a picnic, please remember no shoes on the leisure sheets.