It was the power of nature that threw Japan cruelly off-course in March, with the horrific damage and loss of life caused by the earthquake and tsunami. And it’s the power of nature that’s gradually getting things back on track again in April, at least in Tokyo.
The cherry blossom has finally arrived, a little later than usual, but as resplendent as ever, and a timely reminder that life goes on. Over the past few weeks Tokyo has been in a sombre mood – no-one’s felt like partying or indulging themselves while so many are in mourning and other parts of the country are suffering such hardship. With street lights turned down, the neon dimmed and shops closing early to conserve electricity there’s been an air of austerity and self-restraint – not at all the vibrant, never-sleeping city I know and love.
But with the arrival of the cherry blossom it’s as though the people of Tokyo are breathing a collective sigh of relief and taking strength from the symbol of renewal and new life that it represents. The trains are packed with people going off to visit the most famous viewing spots, the paths around the Imperial Palace Moat are alive with couples and families enjoying the spectacle, and combining it with a good lunch at a local restaurant.
And in the evenings, despite official requests to observe restraint as a sign of respect, a jigsaw of blue tarpaulins is laid out under the trees and colleagues and friends gather to drink sake and reflect, as is traditional, on the transience of life and beauty – and how poignant that message seems this year. Not quite the rowdy, bawdy atmosphere you’d see in other years, less drunken singing and definitely more subdued, but a sign for sure that people are beginning to relax and to recognise that the time has come to get back to normal.
With the FCO travel advice now relaxed it’s time for business to get back to normal too. Many British companies never went away, and like the British Embassy continued to operate throughout the period when the advice was against non-essential travel. And we’ve seen several British business visitors too, who regarded their business here as essential and therefore exempt from the advice: Willie Walsh, Paul Smith and Brian Cass of Huntingdon Life Sciences were among the individuals who visited Japan in the weeks immediately after the earthquake and reminded us all of the importance of getting back to normal.
Japanese individuals and companies value loyalty, so visiting now, or resuming or initiating business, will be a gesture that won’t be forgotten. Sensitivity is still needed, of course, as some companies still face major challenges in restoring their infrastructure or managing the expected restrictions on energy consumption. So just take your cue from your hosts – and if they can’t see you right now remind them that, like the cherry blossom, you’ll be back.
Sue Kinoshita
Director, UKTI Japan