The cherry blossom season of 2025 has begun, with Kochi having the earliest bloom of Somei Yoshino. The official flowering was confirmed at Kochi Castle. In Kumamoto, the bloom occurred slightly earlier than last year but later than the average. Warm temperatures have marked the season’s start.
The cherry blossom season for 2025 has officially commenced in Kochi and Kumamoto, Japan. The Japan Meteorological Agency reported that Kochi recorded the earliest bloom of the Somei Yoshino variety for the second consecutive year. At approximately 2:30 p.m., the specimen tree located at Kochi Castle exhibited over five blossoms, which qualifies as an official flowering. Full blooms are anticipated within the upcoming week.
In Kumamoto, the first bloom was confirmed three days earlier than the previous year but one day later than the average date. On the same day, a high-pressure system brought clear skies and summer temperatures, with many regions exceeding 25 degrees Celsius, as noted by the agency, marking a notable seasonal shift.
The cherry blossoms’ early bloom in Kochi and Kumamoto signifies the arrival of spring for 2025, with Kochi again leading the country in bloom dates. The warmer weather conditions have contributed positively to this phenomenon. As the blooming progresses, full blossoms are expected shortly, enhancing the cultural significance of these iconic flowers in Japan.
Original Source: english.kyodonews.net
