Spirit of Sakura: Embracing Momentariness of Life

Just like the Japanese philosophy of Ikigai invites us to find a reason or purpose for living, the ethereal beauty of Sakura, or Cherry Blossom, also mirrors a profound truth that “nothing lasts forever.” For centuries, this philosophical concept of Sakura has influenced Japanese culture and people, fostering a bond between nature and man.

Marking the arrival of spring in Japan, Cherry Blossoms, known as Sakura (桜), captivate millions of people around the world through their ethereal beauty. But beyond their stunning beauty, Sakura embodies a Japanese philosophy, symbolizing the beauty and momentariness of life. Interesting, right? But remarkably, this tiny, delicate pink flower holds the cultural essence and traditional spirit of Japan.

Sakura, or Cherry blossoms, bloom once a year during spring from March to early May and only last for a few weeks. While the spring, following the end of the cold winter, promises a fresh start, in the same way, this season in Japan brings a new beginning and hope to the Japanese people.

Millions of visitors and locals gather and have parties to celebrate the iconic cherry blossom season. And, this century-old tradition of celebrating cherry blossoms in Japan, called Hanami, which means ‘look blossoms,’ where the word ‘Hana’ means ‘blossom’ and the word ‘Mi’ comes from the verb ‘to look.’ (Salazar, 2021) During this season, underneath the cherry blossoms, family, friends, and colleagues gather in parks across the country for parties and enjoy the fleeting yet breathtaking beauty of nature. The custom of spending a day or night in a park, watching cherry blossoms, and eating and drinking together with the closest people is known as Hanami. According to the Japan National Tourism Organization (2025), the most visited hanami spots in Japan are Mount Yoshino, Ueno Park, Maruyama Park, and Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden (Japan National Tourism Organization, 2025).

In ancient times in Japan, people used Cherry blossoms to identify the right time to plant crops. More interestingly, even today, the fiscal and school year starts in April, in the season of Sakura. This beautiful coincidence obviously resonates with a fresh beginning for the entire nation. Historically, they also hold a unique meaning for the samurai, the warriors of ancient feudal Japan. The short-lived fallen petals of sakura mirrored the samurai, who lived a brief but flamboyant life while holding a moral code of respect, courage, and discipline.

Along with the centuries-old cultural, historical, and traditional significance, cherry blossoms represent the idea “mono no aware,” which means “nothing lasts forever.” Thus, the ethereal beauty and short-lived nature of the cherry blossoms philosophically and metaphorically symbolize life, which is fragile yet beautiful but fleeting away with time. As the flowers fully bloom for a week or two, mesmerizing people with their breathtaking beauty, the fallen petals remind us of the momentariness of life. The spiritual concept regarding sakura has influenced Japanese people; they celebrate and cherish the cherry blossom season as a reminder of a new beginning and beauty, as well as their short life, which serves as a reminder of the momentariness of life.

The cherry blossoms and cultural aspects of hanami foster a bond between man and nature. Where cultural celebrations not only strengthen bonds but also ensure appreciation towards nature.