Hanami

Here along one part of the Kamo-kawa (Wild duck river...) in Kyoto, you can see all types enjoying the cherry blossoms. Young people, old people, all ages and genders, celebrating the beginning of spring.
It's hard to convey the excitement of this time of the year here. School has just started, and there are tiny, gorgeous children everywhere in shiny shoes. It's such a tangible symbol of the passing of the winter, which has been a very cold one just after a time when the country had faced such loss. I can understand the need for hope just right now.