Cherry blossom viewing, known as hanami, is a seasonal spectacle and a must-do activity for many in Japan. It¡¯s a chance for friends and family to gather, talk and have fun ¡ª while also giving a boost to the economy.
This year, the economic impact of hanami is estimated to be around ?1.14 trillion ($7.7 billion), almost twice as much as last year¡¯s ?616 billion, according to Katsuhiro Miyamoto, a professor emeritus at Kansai University in Osaka Prefecture.
¡°Hanami, the tradition of enjoying cherry blossoms, has been a nationwide event for a long time in Japan,¡± Miyamoto said. ¡°The beautiful sakura has now become a tourism asset, attracting foreign tourists.¡±
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