Spring has begun in Japan with the blooming of the country's beloved cherry trees, with revelers eager to use the occasion as a way to break from a year marked by crisis and disaster.
This year, thousands are kicking back under the blossoming trees and raising a glass to the future - the often raucous get-togethers involve plentiful beer and sake.
"During last year's cherry blossom season we were in a mood of self restraint after the earthquake," said Yui Nakayama, 24, who with her party of 15 colleagues was waiting for another 50 people to join them on Thursday night. (Reuters)