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Currently, in some parts of Japan, the first cherry blossoms have begun to bloom, signaling the start of one of the most anticipated festival seasons of the year. Cherry blossoms, also known as sakura, have long been a profound spiritual and cultural symbol of the Land of the Rising Sun, representing delicate beauty, purity, and the fleeting nature of time.
According to statistics published by Japanese botanical research institutes, there are currently more than 500 varieties of cherry blossoms in Japan. This diversity not only demonstrates the richness of Japan's flora but also reflects the special interest of the people in this flower.
Cherry blossoms are a symbol deeply rooted in Japanese culture.
Among the more than 500 varieties of cherry blossoms, the earliest blooming is found in Okinawa – the southernmost region of Japan, which has the hottest and most humid climate in the country. Okinawa's warm climate has created favorable conditions for cherry blossoms to bloom earlier than in other areas.
In Okinawa, located in southern Japan and known for its warm and humid tropical climate, the cherry blossom season begins in early January. The first blossoms, in delicate shades of pale pink, begin to appear, heralding the arrival of a vibrant spring. By the end of February, the entire Okinawa region will be covered in a carpet of brilliant cherry blossoms, creating a breathtaking and captivating spectacle.
Moving north, the next destination for cherry blossoms is the coastal city of Atami, in Shizuoka Prefecture, located in central Japan. Atami is known for having the earliest cherry blossoms on the main island of Honshu. According to historical records, the Atami cherry blossom variety was brought to the area from India by an Italian in the 4th year of the Meiji era, which is 1871. This variety is characterized by its early blooming, beginning in mid-January and reaching its peak in mid-February each year.
This year, due to climate change in Japan, the flowering patterns have been quite variable.
Also in Shizuoka Prefecture, another variety of cherry blossom, known as Kawazu, has begun to bloom, ushering in a colorful cherry blossom festival season. The Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival is one of the most anticipated spring events in Japan, attracting a large number of domestic and international visitors. Visitors come not only to admire the vibrant beauty of the cherry blossoms but also to participate in traditional cultural activities, enjoy local cuisine, and experience the fresh spring atmosphere.
The difference in cherry blossom blooming times between regions in Japan is due to climatic differences. Okinawa, with its warm tropical climate, is where cherry blossoms bloom earliest. The further north you go, the colder the climate becomes, so the cherry blossoms bloom later.
Weather News Inc. predicts that cherry blossoms in eastern and western Japan will be in full bloom about a week after the first blossoms appear, while in the north it will be about 5 days later.
However, in recent years, climate change has had a significant impact, altering the previously stable blooming patterns of cherry blossoms. Unpredictable weather changes, with rising temperatures and extreme weather events such as storms, floods, and droughts, have significantly affected the growth and development of this flower.
Accordingly, observing the timing of cherry blossoms is no longer simply a traditional cultural practice in Japan, but has become an important factor in predicting weather changes throughout the year. Variations in the timing of cherry blossom blooming are considered an indicator of climate change, reflecting the increasing rate of global warming.
Concerns about the impact of climate change on cherry blossoms are not just a problem for Japan alone, but a concern for the international community. Cherry blossoms are highly sensitive to temperature changes, and shifts in their blooming timing can be seen as a warning sign of larger changes occurring in the global ecosystem.
This year, the severe cold spell has caused the cherry blossoms to bloom a little later than last year. However, with warmer temperatures forecast for March, the blooming period should be around average across most of western and eastern Japan.
Monitoring and studying changes in cherry blossom blooming times not only helps us better understand the impacts of climate change, but also allows us to take timely countermeasures. Scientists are working to research and predict cherry blossom blooming times, aiming to help people and tourists plan their participation in cherry blossom viewing festivals (hanami) in the best possible way.
Dr. Kuriyama Hiroshi, an agricultural scientist, shared: “The National Meteorological Agency’s website has a climate change monitoring section that includes information on cherry blossom blooming, and considers this as an indicator of global warming. Let’s take the cherry blossoms in Kanazawa as an example. For 30 years, from 1990 to 2020, the cherry blossoms in Kanazawa always bloomed on March 7th. But since 2020, this date has shifted to March 4th, four days earlier. Experts believe the reason is that global temperatures have risen faster than predicted, and they urge everyone, while admiring the blossoms, to reflect on ways to address climate change.”
According to the Japan Meteorological Association, cherry blossoms will bloom earlier than usual this year, with Hokkaido on May 10th, seven days earlier than usual; Aomori on April 18th, five days earlier; and Tokyo on March 22nd, three days earlier. This is a sign that global warming has not improved at all.
