Which flower is one of Japan’s best-known floral symbols and is the subject of hanami?

Fact

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Cherry blossoms, or sakura, are one of the most famous symbols of Japan. Their spring flowering gives rise to hanami, a practice consisting of gathering to contemplate the trees in flower. Their brief beauty is often associated with the passage of time and impermanence. The chrysanthemum also occupies a major place: it is linked to the imperial family and appears on the imperial seal. Japan does not have a single national flower designated by law. Sakura and chrysanthemum are rather considered de facto national symbols, which requires less official wording.