People mostly avoided cherry blossom-viewing spots in Osaka, western Japan, on Sunday. The Osaka governor has urged people in the prefecture to stay at home this weekend to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
In Osaka Castle Park, signs warned people not to hold parties. A few visitors wearing face masks looked at the cherry blossoms while taking a stroll.
A local resident in his 70s said he decided to go for a walk because he thinks it isn't good for his health to remain indoors. He added that he usually spreads a plastic sheet under the cherry trees to view the flowers, and he feels sad he cannot do that this year.
Another man in his 70s said he is considering closing his electrical appliance store in Osaka City, as sales have plunged this month. He said he wanted to see the cherry blossoms because staying at home makes him feel depressed.
