Each year in April, almost all laboratories of Tohoku University do Hanami, the Japanese tradition of enjoying the beauty of flowers, especially cherry blossoms, while picnicking with friends or co-workers. The typical equipment they generally bring is a blue tarp used a picnic sheet, a folding chair or cushion for the head of the laboratory, wooden chopsticks and other disposable plates, a large bento to accommodate the whole laboratory, various drinks ranging from beer to wine to Japanese sake and garbage bags. Some areas are so popular so that the hanami site is reserved by one or several students from one’s laboratory, from early morning by laying out the typical blue tarp. Hanami is not only a time to eat and drink, but also an opportunity to socialize, get to know each other and play games such as cards, soccer and so on. Hanami can be enjoyed several times per season, with co-workers, friends, club members and other acquaintances. The weather bureau provides a daily blossom forecast for the whole of Japan and the Hanami season generally extends from the beginning of February on the island of Okinawa until early May on the northern island of Hokkaido.