Regular Annual Events in Japan

　　The Japanese have long thought of the sakura (cherry blossom) as the flower which symbolizes the nation.
　　 It is mentioned in ancient myths, and the way its petals fall while still at the height of their beauty was interpreted by the old warrior class as symbolic of resignation and grace in death, qualities which the warriors rated highly.
　　 There are numerous cherry blossom viewing spotsthroughout the country and one of the pleasurers of life among the Japanese is the chance to hold a sake drinking party beneath a glove of cherry trees in full bloom.

(From "Nippon-The Land and Its People-"written by Nippon Steel Resources Development, published by Gakuseisha Publishing Co.,Ltd.)