ABSTRACT
For at least eight hundred years the Japanese have been giving cherry-viewing parties. Ancient daimyos competed with each other in raising many varieties. It was quite the thing to invite war lords and other men of high rank to view the blossoms, and it is interesting to picture these hard men softened by flowers. The viewing of flowering trees is always an emotional experience to a sentimental but unemotional people. Sake always heightens the feelings aroused by the day's outing.
