TOKYO: Amid a growing mood of voluntary restraint on cherry blossom-viewing parties, a seasonal fixture in Japan, due to the spread of the novel coronavirus, some people have started enjoying the iconic pale pink flowers indoors.

Having cherry blossoms at home or viewing famous cherry blossom spots across the country on smartphones is proving popular as people can feel the arrival of spring without going outside.

Major fresh flower supplier Hibiya-Kadan Floral Co. recommends that people adorn their homes and workplaces with cherry blossoms and other flowers.

The company sells some cut flowers for 100 yen per flower on Fridays, calling on people to take pictures and post them on social media.

Potted cherry blossom trees and cut cherry blossom branches are popular at its stores. "They sell out immediately as they come in," a Hibiya-Kadan official said.

A set consisting mainly of cut cherry blossom branches and a vase, prepared for viewing at home, is catching on at fresh flower seller Hanane in Tokyo.

"We can see how cherry blossom buds bloom," 43-year-old corporate worker Yukie Eguchi said as she bought the set for her children, who need to stay home due to virus-caused school closures.

"I was able to feel the flow of time even when I'm at home all the time," said the mother, who has been teleworking due to the virus crisis.

Weathernews Inc. is offering a virtual reality app that gives 360-degree views of 32 popular cherry blossom spots across Japan.

With the app, "people who are worried about the virus can enjoy viewing cherry blossoms comfortably," an official of the private meteorological company said.

"Hanami (cherry blossom viewing) is not all about seeing full-blown cherry blossoms," said Nobuyuki Asada, a senior official of the Japan Cherry Blossom Association.

"I think it would be nice to enjoy cherry blossoms in different ways this year, without holding parties," Asada said.

JIJI Press