Tokyo Cherry Blossoms Bloom, Full Blossom Expected Soon

The Japan Meteorological Agency has officially announced the start of the cherry blossom season in Tokyo, with the first blooms observed on a Somei-Yoshino cherry tree at Yasukuni Shrine. This year's blooming date matches the seasonal average and is five days earlier than last year, attributed to warmer-than-usual temperatures in the region. Full bloom is expected in about a week, coinciding with the traditional celebrations of spring in Japan. Other regions, including Kochi, Kumamoto, Nagasaki, Miyazaki, and Kagoshima, have also reported the arrival of cherry blossoms. The phenomenon has raised concerns about climate change, as cherry blossoms are blooming earlier in recent years. The Asahi Shimbun has launched a 'Sakura Map' to track blooming conditions across the country.