Japan: Japanese head out to see cherry blossoms despite coronavirus warnings

The crowds might be thinner and parties smaller, but warnings from officials over the coronavirus have done little to stop Japanese celebrating as the country's famed cherry trees explode into bloom. Over a warm long weekend in Tokyo, people packed into traditional blossom hotspots, many not even wearing face masks, to admire the fluffy white and pink flowers hanging from delicate stems.| isitors wearing protective face masks following an outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) look at blooming cherry blossoms at Ueno park in Tokyo, Japan March 22, 2020.

Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike admitted that taking cherry blossom parties away from Japanese was like "taking hugs away from Italians", but urged people to avoid gathering in large groups to drink and snack under the trees. "I come here every year. I feel bad if I miss it," Etsuo Fujisawa, a 57-year-old dental technician told AFP as he walked through the city's Ueno Park where 800 cherry trees are in full bloom.| Visitors from abroad wearing kimono clothes look at blooming cherry blossoms at Ueno park in Tokyo, Japan March 22, 2020.

The sides of the main street were roped off, with signs saying "no party zones" posted to discourage picnickers. "There are more people than I thought," Fujisawa added. At another popular spot, the Chidorigafuchi park and walking path, a sign warned that while "awesome cherry blossoms will cause thousands of people to gather here... please refrain from enjoying eating and drinking." Nearby, a group of women sat picnicking, none of them wearing masks.| Visitors from abroad wearing kimono clothes look at blooming cherry blossoms at Ueno park in Tokyo, Japan March 22, 2020.

Loudspeakers in Ueno Park blared messages warning against gatherings, and there was little sign of the massive company parties that are popular during the season.| Visitors wearing protective face masks following an outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) look at blooming cherry blossoms outside ropes cordoning off viewing parties at the area and a sign board reading 'No parties' at Ueno park in Tokyo, Japan March 22, 2020.

A person poses for a photograph with cherry trees in bloom at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden in Tokyo, Japan, on Sunday, March 23, 2020.

But there were plenty of small groups and couples sitting close to each other on mats drinking and eating under the cherry trees. Yuichiro Tanaka, a vegetable wholesaler, was picnicking with friends despite the warnings. "We are told to exercise self-restraint but I wanted to have one party at least," Tanaka said, describing hanami - flower viewing - as "the real joy of spring". But he said he had taken some heed of the official advice. "Usually we have hanami parties every weekend during the flower season, but this year we do this only once, only today."| People, some wearing protective masks, picnic under cherry trees in bloom at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden in Tokyo, Japan, on Sunday, March 22, 2020

Kanon Sagara, a 17-year-old high school student who has been stuck at home during the closures, said taking in the blossoms at Ueno was a chance to finally get some fresh air. "It feels good to be outside. It feels nice."| Pedestrians, some wearing protective masks, walk under lanterns and cherry trees in bloom along the Sumida River in Tokyo, Japan, on Sunday, March 22, 2020.

People picnic under cherry trees in bloom at a park in Tokyo, Japan, on Sunday, March 22, 2020. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told parliament the Tokyo Olympics should be postponed if it is not possible to hold the full event without safety concerns, suggesting Japan could bow to pressure to halt the games due to the coronavirus.

People picnic under cherry trees in bloom at Ueno Park in Tokyo, Japan, on Sunday, March 23, 2020.

People wearing protective masks walk past a sign under cherry trees in bloom at Ueno Park in Tokyo, Japan, on Sunday, March 22, 2020

Visitors wearing protective face masks following an outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) look at blooming cherry blossoms at Ueno park in Tokyo, Japan March 22, 2020.