As cherry blossom season unfolds in Japan, spectators are embracing a trend towards frugality. Instead of buying expensive prepared meals, many are choosing to bring their own packed rice balls—onigiri—to hanami (flower viewing) picnics. This trend appears sparked by a desire for cost-effectiveness, but also a rekindled appreciation for homemade meals during outings.

In Japan, the cherry blossom season (or hanami) is a significant cultural event. People gather in parks for picnics underneath flowering cherry trees. Traditionally, many would buy 'bento'—prepared picnic meals which could be quite pricey. This trend towards homemade 'onigiri' shows a shift in societal values, favoring thriftiness, and a return to traditional, homemade meals.

In the US or EU, public park picnics also exist but don't usually coincide with a specific season or natural event. The meals could be homemade sandwiches or takeaway food, and there isn’t a strong tradition of specially prepared picnic meals to compare. The cost-effectiveness seen here parallels the 'brown bag' lunch trend in the West, where people opt to bring their food from home to save money.