As the Sakura Kaika Zensen (さくら開花前線), or "Cherry Blossom Blooming Front" begins its sweep from south to north across the country, Japanese people get ready for the hanami (花見) season, a time to drink and party under the cherry blossoms.

This isn't just an excuse to get drunk in a public place, but (also) a traditional practice of celebrating the coming of spring that has become an important part of Japanese custom.

Why are sakura (桜) so important to Japanese people? And why do they love it so much? Read on at Tokyo Girls' Update to learn the history of hanami!