The cherry blossom is currently at its peak season in Tokyo's Ueno Park, one of the city's most popular blossom-viewing party venues. Thousands of Japanese people swarmed into the park, enjoying the beauty of the cherry blossom and marking a break after a year of crisis. 　　Twelve months ago the mood here was muted, as Japan cut back on spending in solidarity with those affected by the earthquake and tsunami that devastated much of the country's northeast coast. 　　Under the 1,200 cherry trees, some of the visitors were also raising their glasses to the future. 　　Yui Nakayama: "During last year's cherry blossom season we were in a mood of self-restraint following the earthquake. But now Japan has become energetic again, so I'm happy to relax and enjoy myself with my colleagues today." 　　Even an impending launch of a satellite by North Korea, which Tokyo suspects will cross into Japanese territory when it launches this week, can't stop the viewers from enjoying springtime. 　 　　Miki Sugai: "I'm concerned about the rocket launch, but it would be unproductive to stay indoors just for that reason. So, I'm trying to refresh myself by fully enjoying this cherry blossom season," 　　As night fell, people can still walk along the river and enjoy the soothing atmosphere by the light of the lanterns. 　　Junko Kikuchi: "We all have been in a dark mood since the earthquake last year, but the paper lanterns are lit as we are all feeling a bit brighter this year, so I'm very glad." 　　This year's cherry bloom is delayed by the cold weather, the capital's trees are now expected to reach their peak in early April.