Japan’s cherry blossom parties could wilt as inflation strains wallets

A woman takes selfies in front of a cherry blossom tree in Kawasaki, Kanagawa prefecture, Japan.

Photo: AFP Japan’s cherry trees are in full bloom, heralding the arrival of spring and the beginning of hanami picnics filled with food, festivities and fun.

But stubborn inflation, the economic fallout from the war in Iran and looming unsettled weather have muted excitement for this year’s gatherings – a time-honoured tradition that is also popular with tourists.

A survey by Intage found that 38 per cent of Japanese were planning to attend a cherry blossom viewing event with family, friends or colleagues, down 2.1 percentage points from last year.

Asked how much they would spend on the outings, the 2,500 respondents set their budget at an average of 6,383 yen (US$40), down from an average of 7,407 yen last spring. “It is thought that this reflects a restrained trend in leisure activities as overall consumer spending becomes more moderate,” the Tokyo-based research agency said earlier this month.

According to the firm, nationwide cherry blossom party spending stood at 234.1 billion yen – a “significant contraction” that represented just 81.5 per cent of last year’s total.

People take pictures with their dog under a cherry blossom tree at Ueno park in Tokyo.

Photo: AFP Issei Izawa, 26, who works in recruitment in Tokyo, say he is worried about the potential “knock-on impact” from inflationary pressures on his job and life as he prepares to attend a mandatory party. “I’m going to my company hanami party because I’ve just joined and it’s an obligation,” Izawa said, adding that he intended to stay for only a couple of hours. “I have to move to a new flat in a few weeks’ time and that is going to be expensive, so I am trying to cut down my spending.” The weak yen has also prompted him to reconsider his holiday abroad. “I think it’s best to be a little cautious with spending for a little while.” Cherry trees have bloomed several days earlier than usual this spring, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.

But heavy rain on Thursday – and more expected through early next week – means central Tokyo’s pink petals might not last long.

Kiyoko Date is looking forward to a gathering at a Yokohama park with four friends and their children.

However, the MNC worker said she was a “little surprised” to hear of the dampened atmosphere. “It is true that the cost of living seems to go up day by day, and that might make it more difficult for younger people or those w

原文链接: 南华早报