As the weather warms with the shift from winter to the start of Spring, cherry blossom chatter begins. The checking for buds on the branches of cherry blossom trees and the spotting of an early sporadic bloom, ignites excitement as the days draw closer to the cherry-blossom viewing season. Cherry blossom viewing is a time that elicits a great sense of joy around Japan. Weather programs have dedicated segments announcing the dates for expected first blooms and the prime viewing periods nationwide. Cherry blossoms represent not only the transition into a warmer, for many, more comfortable season, but also the beginning of the new school and work year; the first semester for educational institutions starts in April and the fiscal year begins on April 1. This is a time for many Japanese people when there is no better place for celebrating new beginnings than under full-blooming cherry blossom trees; where the joyous delight found in the buzzing atmosphere and the soft pink blossoms inspire hope for the year ahead.