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Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi hosted the annual cherry blossom viewing party at the Shinjuku Gyoen in Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo. The event was lively with approximately 8,700 guests from political and business circles, and cultural and sporting figures. In his address, Prime Minister Koizumi said, "What fine weather it is. The cherry blossoms are in full bloom and are at their best. I would like to forget about politics for a moment and rejoice in the flowers with all of you. There is a haiku by Matsuo Basho, the famous haiku poet, that says, 'Cherry blossoms bring back many memories.' I am sure that many of you have different memories about cherry blossoms. We have only a short time today, but I hope this will be a pleasant time for you, being drunk with flowers instead of alcohol for a change." After his address, Prime Minister Koizumi chatted with the guests and joined in their pictures.