Why so many Japanese people care the "official declaration" of blossoming, you say? I dunno ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
They like the festivities of flowering viewing? No really, I saw people working all year without taking a day off, saving it all to take a streak off by the time sakura flowers bloom. Really, it's like and OCD to some people. The rest is just mass media.
It's the kotatsoo has given in to her! Not that she's tatamized. Well, I wouldn't be too surprised to see her playing games with the grand old lady anytime soon though.
So is this like the Punxsutawney Phil of Japanese Cherry Blossoms?
That's a better analogy than anyone here is or has given you credit for, and it deserves acknowledgement.
Observation shows that 5 of Yamato-san's cherry blossoms are now in bloom.Sample TreeAs in the tree that is the exemplar used for the declaration.Ahh...What's with this rambunctious lot!?This year's Naval Base Cherry Blossom Season is declared to be open!翔It's here!clap clap clap clapOooohhh~What are they up to?Everybody's gathered...鳳gulp...staaaaareschwipschwipWhat is?