Japan’s decision to cancel a cherry blossom festival near Mount Fuji has drawn wide attention, highlighting the deep cultural significance of sakura in the country.

Authorities scrapped the event, launched in 2016, citing overtourism and disruptive behaviour by visitors. Announcing the move, Fujiyoshida Mayor Shigeru Horiuchi said the step was necessary to protect residents’ dignity and living environment.

The cancellation struck a chord because cherry blossoms are far more than seasonal flowers in Japan. They are woven into the nation’s history, identity and collective memory, making the loss of any sakura celebration feel deeply symbolic.

Although cherry blossoms bloom in many parts of the world, Japan’s long-standing traditions of sakura matsuri and hanami set it apart. References to Japan almost inevitably evoke images of cherry blossoms in full bloom.

The practice dates back to the 8th century as an imperial custom and spread widely during the Edo period, gradually shifting focus from plum blossoms to sakura.

Today, hanami celebrates the fleeting beauty of life. People gather beneath flowering trees for picnics, reflecting on impermanence as cities turn shades of pink and white.

Sakura also carries spiritual meaning. Rooted in Shinto and Buddhist beliefs, the trees are seen as sacred, associated with rice deities and ancestral spirits. They feature prominently in literature, art and cinema, and symbolise the samurai ethos of honour and acceptance of death. Even during World War II, cherry blossoms were used as a symbol of sacrifice.

Japan’s struggle with overtourism has intensified, with 42.7 million visitors in 2025, driven by a weak yen and the global allure of cherry blossom season.

#With inputs from NDTV