anx April 1, 1999. Kurume City, Fukuoka Prefecture.


photophoto

This street leads up to the ruins of the Shinoyama Castle of the Kurume clan. It is 11am and sunny. Compared to the norm, the cherry blossoms in Kurume bloomed all at once this year. Many people usually visit during this period but we have had lots of rain this year and the flowers bloomed as soon as we had a sunny day. Here, nighttime cherry blossom viewing is prohibited. In Kogashira-cho park in the heart of the residential district, the curfew is 11pm. This rule however is soon forgotten as the drinking takes hold. During the weekend, old and young alike remain raucous until dawn. I have a friend who takes shelter in my home during the cherry-viewing season since his house is near the park. It's all right to have a good time but we should mind our manners too.



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