The Cherry blossom is a time-honored Japanese symbol that the State manipulated during WWII to convince people that it was their honor to "die like beautiful falling cherry petals" for the emperor.
Cherry blossom is a symbolic flower of the spring, a time of renewal, and the fleeting nature of life. Their life is very short. After their beauty peaks around two weeks, the blossoms start to fall.
Cherry blossom is a celebration of a new start in Japan, for while American schools begin in the fall, the Japanese fiscal and school year begins in April, the season of sakura.
The Cherry blossom is a symbol of the transience of life and a major theme in Buddhism. The cherry-blossom tree is known for its short but brilliant blooming season, a natural process that metaphorically describes human life.
Cherry blossom is a symbol of Japanese nationalism and militarism. A fallen cherry blossom symbolizes a fallen samurai who sacrificed his life for the emperor.