Cherry blossoms, symbols of the fleeting nature of life, are blooming in Tokyo but many of the usual boisterous parties will be cancelled as Japan reels from its quake, tsunami and nuclear disasters. And in Washington, thousands braved cold weather and downpour, to enjoy the cherry blossoms, a highlight of the US capitals cultural calendar. Some 3,000 cherry trees were given to Washington as a gift from the mayor of Tokyo in 1912 as a symbol of US-Japanese friendship.Photos by AP & AFP
