Please don’t misunderstand. I know almost all there is to know about the country. Karaoke, climbing Fuji, folding origami, catching fish to make sushi – you name it, I’ve done it.
I ski in Niseko, it’s infinitely more relaxing than Europe, and involves considerably fewer Europeans. I’ve been to Tokyo countless times to indulge in the three Ss – sake, sushi and sumo.
But no blossom this year. This is despite the best efforts of a chum who is trying to goad me into going with him. His wife has written a book on the stuff, and they’re going to watch it fall from the trees.
Frankly, I’d rather follow the philosophy of a book written by another banker friend. It’s called Money: A Group of Dragons, Looking for Gold. It’s in Chinese, which would be impressive except for one minor detail: my dear friend doesn’t speak a word of the language.
But this is not deterred him – far from it! Last I heard, he had erected a stand outside the bank and was handing out signed copies to adoring fans.
If you think that's odd, you should meet my other pal – a syndicate man who runs a hot dog shop on the side. You’d think he had a case of spring fever, though when it comes down to it, they’re really rather tasty.