Cherry Blossoms and Hanami Events

With the arrival of spring in 2025, topics surrounding cherry blossom viewing (hanami) are once again on the rise. According to recent surveys, there have been noticeable changes in how Japanese people perceive and enjoy hanami. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, large-scale parties have shifted toward more intimate gatherings or solitary enjoyment. People are also becoming more inclined to enjoy cherry blossoms quietly while strolling, with less emphasis on alcohol consumption.

Data Insights

  • Interest in Hanami: 63.9% of respondents said they plan to go or want to go hanami this year. Around 60% of people in their 50s and younger, and about 70% of those aged 60 and older, are planning to enjoy cherry blossoms, indicating particularly strong interest among older generations.
  • Styles of Hanami: There is a growing preference for smaller gatherings. 52.7% said they prefer to enjoy hanami casually with a small group like family, while 47.6% said they want to enjoy it leisurely with a partner or friend. Less than 20% favored large party-style gatherings. Additionally, about 31.2% prefer "solo hanami," enjoying the flowers alone. A significant 77.5% of people expressed a desire to enjoy cherry blossoms while walking through parks or along tree-lined streets—far surpassing the traditional picnic style. Walking hanami is becoming the new norm.
  • Trends in Food and Drink: When it comes to beverages during hanami, over half of respondents across all age groups prefer soft drinks or non-alcoholic beverages, indicating that "non-alcohol hanami" is now mainstream. As for food, the most common choice is "store-bought bentos or deli items" (44.5%), followed by "homemade bentos" (29.9%) and "food from festival stalls" (28.5%).

Positive Views on Drinking Alcohol During Hanami

1. A Seasonal Tradition

"Hanami means alcohol. Drinking under the cherry blossoms is a quintessential part of spring in Japan."

For many, drinking during hanami is part of a cherished seasonal tradition. Enjoying sake or beer under the blossoms offers a break from the everyday and creates a special, festive atmosphere.

2. Enhances Social Connections

"Alcohol helps spark conversations and brings people closer together."

Alcohol often helps break the ice and facilitates relaxed communication, even among people who don’t normally talk much. Many value the bonding experience with coworkers or friends.

3. A Way to Relieve Stress

"Drinking outside feels great and helps relieve everyday stress."

Spending time outdoors in nature brings a sense of relaxation, and moderate drinking can enhance that feeling, making it a rejuvenating experience.

Concerns Among Japanese People

1. Poor Manners and Disruptive Behavior

"I don’t like it when drunk people get rowdy or leave trash behind."

During hanami season, issues such as loud noise and littering in public places become more common. These concerns are especially prominent in crowded areas, contributing to the growing opposition to alcohol consumption at hanami events.

2. Consideration for Families and the Elderly

"If I’m with small kids, I try to avoid groups of drunk people."

For those attending with children or elderly family members, the presence of intoxicated individuals can feel uncomfortable or even unsafe. Many people who wish to quietly enjoy the blossoms prefer hanami without alcohol.

3. Discomfort with Public Drinking

"Nowadays, drinking in parks just feels inappropriate."

Changing social norms and evolving attitudes toward drinking in public have led some people—especially younger generations—to feel that drinking outdoors is embarrassing or even socially unacceptable.

Trends by Age Group

  • Under 20s:
    • Drinking Trends: This group shows the least interest in alcohol consumption compared to other generations. Among males, 73.7% still say they’d like to toast with alcohol.
  • 30s to 50s:
    • Drinking Trends: These age groups have the highest interest in drinking alcohol during hanami, with those in their 50s showing the most enthusiasm. 
    • Preferred Drinks: Beer remains the most popular beverage, particularly among men. 
  • 60 and Older:
    • Drinking Trends: This group also shows a high preference for alcohol, with a particular liking for beer.
    • Hanami Style: There’s a strong preference for quiet hanami experiences, either alone or in small groups, with an emphasis on peaceful enjoyment of the blossoms.

Even within the cultural tradition of hanami, diverse preferences and lifestyles are emerging. Personally, I enjoy walking along the cherry blossom-lined streets in my neighborhood. Wishing you a lovely spring day!

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