CHERRY BLOSSOMS

JAPAN'S BELOVED CHERRY BLOSSOMS HELP DISPEL SOME DISASTER GLOOM

Paul Eckert

Reuters, April 11, 2011

TOKYO (Reuters) - After the earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear disaster struck last month, Japanese were asked to scrap celebrations for the beloved cherry blossom season and practice self-restraint.

But as the annual pink wave that heralds spring rolled up the Japanese archipelago to Tokyo this weekend, the campaign for "jishuku" lost out to appeals to shake off the funereal mood and partake in traditional, rice wine-fuelled "sakura" parties, for the sake of the nation's psyche, and economy.

"Too much self-restraint will strip away peace of mind and plenitude from everyday life, and destroy the nation's vitality. This will drag down economic activity, which will hinder recovery efforts in disaster areas," said the conservative Yomiuri Shimbun in an editorial.

Far from Tokyo, politicians and businessmen in the shattered cities of northern Japan are saying the same thing, prompted by worries that a gloomy nation will take much longer to recover from the psychological and economical effects of the disaster.

Japanese officials had cancelled rock concerts, sporting events and other entertainment after the March 11 quake.

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