Japan’s official cherry blossom spotters have confirmed the first blooming of the country’s favorite flower, marking the start of the festive season in Tokyo. The blooms appeared on a Somei Yoshino tree at Yasukuni shrine, with more than five blossoms detected. This marks a 5-day earlier opening compared to last year and is on par with average years.
Cherry blossoms typically reach their peak in late March to early April, coinciding with Japan’s new school and business year. They have deeply influenced Japanese culture for centuries, often symbolizing life, death, and rebirth. The announcement comes as Tokyo enjoys warmer-than-usual temperatures of around 19°C (66°F).
The Japan Meteorological Agency tracks over 50 “benchmark” cherry trees nationwide, which normally bloom for two weeks each year. The agency’s data can provide valuable insights into climate change studies. In recent years, the cherry blossom season has trended towards earlier openings, raising concerns about its impact on global warming.
The first blooming of Japan’s favorite flower marks a significant milestone, signaling the start of the cherry blossom season in Tokyo.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/japan-cherry-blossom-opening-fb4874d65691cc263d4f6323bf2dabc3