A sparrow holds a flower in its mouth on a fully bloomed cherry blossom tree in Tokyo on March 21, 2013. Viewing cherry blossoms is a national pastime and cultural event in Japan, where millions of people turn out to admire them annually. Japan's weather agency announced on March 16 the official beginning of cherry blossom season in Tokyo, equalling the record for the earliest ever start. AFP PHOTO / Yoshikazu TSUNO