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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
World
Justin McCurry in Tokyo

‘We have waited so long’: a cautious Tokyo celebrates cherry blossoms in shadow of Covid

People take pictures with their dogs in front of cherry blossoms along the Meguro River in Tokyo
People take pictures with their dogs in front of cherry blossoms along the Meguro River in Tokyo Photograph: Philip Fong/AFP/Getty Images

After two years of pandemic-related cancellations and restrictions, Japan is again observing the time-honoured ritual of hanami – cherry blossom viewing.

As the delicate pink flowers reached their peak, people who had previously avoided the crowds – or had their local viewing festivals called off – have turned out in large numbers to view Tokyo’s sakura petals.

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