KUALA LUMPUR, March 29 -- It's springtime and the season for sakura (cherry blossoms) in Japan again.

This time of year I reflect fondly upon the times when I would join my Japanese friends for picnics in public parks in Tokyo. It is a communal activity; sitting below a mature cherry tree and indulging in hanami (flower viewing) while sharing a meal.

We'd spread our picnic mat out, weigh each corner with a basket or a bag. Then the childlike joy of discovering what each of us brought to the picnic.

First to warm us up, some bottles of hot green tea - either from the konbini (convenience stores) or the jido hanbaiki (vending machines) at the subway stations.

Some seasonal fruits such as mandarin oranges and strawberries are must-haves....