Hanami (花見, "flower viewing") is the traditional Japanese custom of enjoying the transient beauty of flowers; flowers (花, hana) in this case almost always refer to those of the cherry (桜, sakura)

Like many I struggle with the dark, cold days of winter. If I don’t pay attention I’m prone to suffering from Seasonal Adjustment Disorder. Springtime is when I truly awaken.

Many years ago, on a trip to Japan I witnessed the worship of Sakura, aka cherry blossom. It has stayed with me ever since and I now eagerly look forward to the arrival of blossom in London and the joy it brings.

In the spring of 2022, the first spring with no lockdown restrictions since the start of the pandemic, I went out into London to document people enjoying the outdoors and, consciously or not, practicing Hanami. I sought out moments of stillness and people connecting with nature.

Please refresh the page

An unknown error has occurred