On April 4, we celebrated the start of spring at our Hanami Party in Ueno Park, Tokyo! Complemented by blue skies and raining petals, it was a day of joy, connection, and celebration with our wonderful community.
Attendees included our international community members, registered guides, and WaWo staff. Throughout the day, the group enjoyed the sunshine and flowers, while engaging in multilingual conversations that reflected our diverse and vibrant community. Guests came and went as their schedules allowed. We were also delighted to welcome walk-in guests, in addition to our community members. This led to spontaneous interactions with both inbound tourists and local Japanese, paving the way for new community-building opportunities.
The event also featured a picnic with fresh pizza, homemade dishes, yummy snacks, and drinks, highlighted by a handpicked selection of locally-produced sake. We prepared some of these items on our end, but our wonderful guests were kind enough to contribute all manner of goodies, amounting to a veritable feast beneath the flower petals. Everyone’s contributions added to the warm, homey atmosphere.
Although we had concerns about the weather and the blooming status of the cherry blossoms, we were fortunate to have perfect conditions on the day. Surrounded by the open space of Ueno Park and the blossoms in full bloom overhead, lively conversations naturally unfolded, making it a truly wonderful event.
A big thank you to everyone who helped make the event one for the history books. We look forward to hosting more seasonal gatherings that strengthen and expand our community through food, culture, and plain old fun.
Here’s to a bright and blossoming spring for all! 🌸