Cherry-blossom viewing

It is the season of cherry-blossom viewing, so my partner and I headed for Ueno Park after the voting. Entering the park, we were amazed that tens of thouthands of people were there. The main street inside was so crouded that we can hardly move.

Many people gather and have flower parties around this season, so it is a usual scene (past report written in Japanese). Though, the park seemed to be much more crouded than usual year. One reason is probably that the previous day (Saturday) was rainy.

Because of the refraining mood which lasts since the earthquake, we expected much less people were there. It was surprising so many people were taking place under the trees and drinking.

Sakura (cherry blossoms) were in full bloom, and cherry blossom petals were already dispersed by strong wind like snows. Sakura is beautiful, but at the same time it reminds us that the life changes and nothing remains the same. Since old times, maybe Japanese have sensed this transition in nature.

Below is a picture taken at Sumida Park. Left part of the picture is the Tokyo Sky Tree under construction.

Tokyo gubernatorial election, 2011

Today is the voting day of Tokyo governor race. I went to the nearby polling station. Tokyo is a big city with a population of more than 13 million. Its population surpasses the one of some nations. Who will be the next governor will more or less affect our region's future.

There are eleven candidates. Some of them are Shintaro Ishihara (Current governor, fourth term if elected), Miki Watanabe (ex CEO of a restaurant chain), Dr. Nakamatsu (inventor), Akira Koike (a nominee of Japanese Communist Party), Hideo Higashikokubaru (ex governor of Miyazaki prefecture).

I thought quite hard who should I vote, though it seemed to be a difficult question. Who will be able to handle the Tokyo Metropolitan Government best? Who is best suited to the next governor? Every candidate seems to be a little bit far from the ideal. In the end, I selected a person according to my inner voice. The election outcome will possibly be declared until midnight.

edit (4.11)
The final result of the vote was announced. Ishihara has won a race by a wide margin. He won about 2.6 million ballots compared with Higashikokubaru's 1.6 million who finished second.