Cherry Blossoms - A Japanese Symbol Explained

Whenever I see cherry blossoms, Japan is the first thing that comes to mind. But why is it such a significant symbol in japanese culture? What does it represent? Those were the questions I asked myself after taking this picture. To me, it is a portrait of beauty and fragility, of youth and purity. But what do the Japanese think?
In japanese culture, cherry blossoms are a metaphor for the ephemeral nature of life. But that's not all of it. It seems that in World War II this symbol was used to motivate soldiers on the field. A comparison was made between dead soldiers and cherry blossoms, having falling cherry petals represent the sacrifice of youth in suicide missions to honor the emperor.