Japan’s cherry trees are reaching full bloom in record time this year 2021, according to the national weather agency, which links the early sakura season with the warmest climate in the world.
In the former capital of Kyoto, cherry blossoms peaked on March 26, ten days earlier than average and the earliest since the government began taking records.
“Our studies have shown that the beginning of the cherry blossom season is closely related to the average temperature in February and March,” Shunji Ambe, an official of the Japan Meteorological Agency, told AFP. .
“Our observations of plant life show that spring events (such as cherry and plum blossoms) tend to occur earlier, while autumn events are delayed.”
“We believe that these phenomena reflect an upward trend in temperature,” he concludes.
Tokyo cherry trees typically reach full bloom around April 2. This year, the capital’s cherry blossoms peaked on March 22, a day slower than the first in 2002.
Of the 58 officially designated ‘observation cherry trees’ across Japan, 24 began to bloom on the earliest recorded date, according to the agency. 14 also reached full bloom in record time.
Most of these designated trees are of the best-known and best-loved yoshino variety, known for their white and pink flowers that bloom for about two weeks and then fall in showers of tiny confetti-like petals.
Scholars who have studied ancient Japanese poems and historical records say that cherry blossoms of other wild varieties have also appeared throughout the centuries.
Locals and visitors alike are feverishly awaiting Japan’s sakura or cherry blossom season, though this year foreign tourists have been steered clear of border restrictions from the virus.
It is traditionally celebrated with hanami , or spectator parties, with picnics, organized under the trees. However, meetings to reduce the spread of coronavirus cases have been discouraged this year.
