FROM October, after a covid-related gap, Australian tourists will once again be able to enjoy visa-free entry for trips to Japan, says Japanese ambassador Shingo Yamakami.

The ambassador was hosting  a large crowd of well-wishers from the arts, trade and education to enjoy the flowering cherry trees in the embassy’s  grounds last night (September 23), and the rain held off for guests to queue up for a feast whipped up by head chef Ogata Sadayuki who, we heard, had created his own version of the vanilla slice in homage to an Australian delicacy.

Ambassador Yamakami said that spring was a  time of renewal. Quoting an ancient Japanese haiku which says that cherry blossoms are destined to fall, he told those  present that today,  September 24, a similar spring event, the Sakura Matsuri Cherry Blossom Festival, would be held  at the Japanese gardens in Cowra, which he described as “the spiritual home of Japanese in Australia”.