The brief perfection of the sakura has inspired many a Japanese poet and author as well as foreign writers who compare the flower to lives of famous but short-lived people and the ravages of time. Some tell tales of the sakura which resemble the story of the Ugly Duckling where the resultant flower is perfection. Sakura buds, stems and flowers are commonly seen in both Ikebana and other floral arrangements as well as in folding screen and lacquered box paintings and on kimonos and fans and songs and stories extol their virtues. Their presence is incorporated still in most artistic aspects of Japanese life, both traditional and modern. The event The sakura or cherry blossom is Japan's national flower and blooms in late March to April every year at various times depending on the weather and the location.
People go to shrines and parks for the blossom viewing or 'hanami'.
These blossoms only bloom for a short time each year and people everywhere wait avidly for news of what is the best location each day. Companies and families send out members early to try to reserve the best spot under the trees to have a celebratory party. Trees are hung with lanterns so that partying can continue throughout the night and the sakura looks ethereal and almost artificial in their reflection. While the real cherry blossoms decorate parks and shrines, artificial blossoms adorn shop fronts and streetlights making this a festival difficult to miss. Many towns have street parades with floats, stalls and music adding to the noise of celebration all around.