Considering the importance of the blooming of the cherry trees, or sakura, in Japan, it's no surprise to find a number of specialist words just to mark the occasion. The wave of blooms progressing from south to north across the country is known as the "cherry blossom front," or sakura zensen, and you can check its progress on the kaika yoso, or blooming forecast. Everyone is hoping to catch their areas's blossoms in full bloom, or mankai, to have the best possible hanami, or cherry blossom viewing party.

Want to know more sakura-related vocabulary? Check out Zooming Japan below!