Japan celebrates cherry blossoms

Every year, the weather forecast service and all media follow the "cherry blossom front" that moves from south to north of Japan.

A formal schedule of predictions indicates dates of flowering for all regions. In South Island at almost subtropical climate, it  begins in January-February, then Tokyo and Kyoto at the end of March and beginning of April, then the region of Sapporo on the island's north at the beginning of May.
The calendar announces the opening of first flowers (Kaikai) and full bloom (Mankai) a week later.

The "cherry blossom front" is announced by all the Japanese media and by all weather forecast services of the country, television, websites and Smartphones.
The hanami, (celebration for the arrival of spring), is an opportunity for Japaneses to meet for a get-together under the cherry blossoms. Traditionally, the cherry blossoms (sakura) symbolize fragility and brevity of human life.

source : japan times, japan guide com