Japan’s Meteorological Agency confirmed the first blooming of cherry blossoms in Tokyo, signaling the start of the festive season. The blooming occurred five days earlier than last year and is part of a long cultural tradition. Concerns regarding climate change are highlighted as bloom times shift in recent years.
On Monday, the Japan Meteorological Agency officially announced the first blooming of cherry blossoms in Tokyo, marking the commencement of the festive season in the capital. The agency’s official cherry blossom spotters confirmed that the Somei Yoshino variety at the Yasukuni shrine displayed over five blooms, the minimum requirement for such an announcement. This year’s flowering coincided with the average timeline but occurred five days earlier than the previous year.
Cherry blossoms, known as “sakura,” are cherished in Japan and typically reach their full bloom between late March and early April, aligning with the onset of a new academic and business year. Many individuals partake in leisurely walks or picnics beneath these beautiful trees, celebrating this traditional season.
For centuries, sakura have significantly influenced Japanese culture, often featuring in poetry and literature, symbolizing the transience of life, as well as themes of death and rebirth. The announcement came after the cherry blossom season had already commenced in Kochi, Shikoku, a day earlier.
The Japan Meteorological Agency monitors over 50 benchmark cherry trees nationwide, which bloom for approximately two weeks. The peak flowering phase is anticipated in around ten days, reflecting current warmer temperatures in Tokyo, measured at approximately 19 Celsius (66 Fahrenheit). Given their sensitivity to temperature fluctuations, cherry trees provide insightful data for climate change research.
In recent years, there has been an observable trend toward earlier blooming of sakura, sparking concerns regarding the possible effects of climate change on this beloved seasonal event.
The Japan Meteorological Agency’s announcement of the cherry blossoms blooming in Tokyo marks the beginning of a cherished seasonal celebration. The early bloom, occurring five days ahead of last year, raises awareness about changing climate patterns influencing this iconic natural phenomenon. The historical and cultural significance of cherry blossoms continues to resonate strongly in Japanese society, underscoring their pivotal role in both tradition and environmental science.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
