Nothing excites Japanese people the way cherry blossoms do. Cherry blossoms are something the Japanese are so proud of, they can't help but smile when someone mentions the magic word: o-hanami.
Although o-hanami sounds more like the lyrics to a Christmas carol (Oh, hanami, Oh, hanami, with faithful leaves unchanging. . .), the translation is actually closer to "Oh, flower-watching." It's the time of year when all Japanese find time to go and have a picnic under the cherry trees while the pink cherry blossoms are in full bloom.
I have to admit that, under their spell, it is very difficult to not see the world as Frank Sinatra sees it: through rose-colored glasses.