Shiki is working with Pray for Japan: Norwich to host a special Hanami fund-raiser for the Japan Tsunami appeal. There will be a Japanese buffet, music, tea ceremony and kimono. Tickets cost just £1 and will be available both in advance and on the day. Proceeds will go to the Red Cross Japan Tsunami Appeal. Please visit the Pray for Japan: Norwich website for details of this and other events.

This past week saw the emergence of cherry blossom (sakura) in Norwich. You can see cherry blossom in the church yard just next to Shiki on Princes Street.

In Japan 'flower viewing' (hanami) is a national past time with mass picnics held under the cherry trees of major parks and a TV forecast of the 'cherry blossom front' (sakurazensen), which sweeps from southern Kyushu to northern Hokkaido each spring.

Be sure to catch sight of the Norfolk sakura before it disappears for another year! Read more about hanami at japan-guide.com. While the guide may suggest castles, temples and shrines, we certainly have enough churches in Norwich and there's even a cherry tree in the Cathedral grounds.