News On Japan

Why Tokyo Cherry Blossoms Bloom First

TOKYO, Feb 17 (News On Japan) - As the mild winter brings early blooms to some cherry blossom varieties, many wonder if the iconic Yoshino cherry trees will also flower sooner than usual. Let's delve into the forecast for this year's cherry blossom season.

According to the latest forecast by Weather Map, Tokyo is expected to see cherry blossoms bloom about a week earlier than the average year, with the predicted date being March 17th. Similarly, Fukuoka, Nagoya, and Osaka are all anticipated to experience earlier blooms, with expected dates of March 18th, March 19th, and March 23rd, respectively.

In recent years, Tokyo has consistently been the frontrunner in the cherry blossom season. But why does Tokyo's blooming occur so early? Understanding the blooming mechanism of cherry blossoms sheds light on this phenomenon.

Somei Yoshino cherry trees enter dormancy in the fall and awaken from their slumber with the cold of winter. The subsequent warmth causes the buds to swell and eventually bloom. Thus, both cold and warmth are essential for the blooming process.

In regions like Kyushu, where temperatures are higher than in Tokyo, the awakening from dormancy is delayed due to insufficient cold. Conversely, in colder areas like Tohoku, while the awakening is earlier, the lack of warmth slows down the growth.

Tokyo, however, enjoys the best of both worlds, with a perfect balance of cold and warmth, leading to its position as the expected leader in cherry blossom blooming this year.

Source: ANN

News On Japan
POPULAR NEWS

The Japanese government has decided to expand its tuition-free high school program this spring. Public high school tuition is now completely free regardless of household income, and starting next academic year, the scope of support for private schools will also be broadened.

Shuri Castle, a symbol of Okinawa's Ryukyu heritage, suffered extensive damage in a devastating fire in October 2019 that destroyed the main hall and many other structures. The cause of the blaze remains unknown.

A deepening labor shortage in Japan’s construction industry is beginning to impact homebuyers, with some experiencing delays of more than six months before construction can even begin due to a lack of available carpenters.

The Imperial Household Agency launched an official YouTube channel on April 1st to introduce the activities of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako.

Japan's new fiscal year began on April 1st, with companies across the country holding entrance ceremonies to welcome new employees.

MEDIA CHANNELS
         

MORE Travel NEWS

A groundbreaking ceremony was held for a new multi-purpose complex directly connected to the domestic terminal at Fukuoka Airport.

'Parade of Blue and the Night Rainbow' is a water and air spectacle show scheduled to be held during the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo.

From April 1st, a new regulation took effect across Osaka Prefecture requiring all restaurants with a customer seating area larger than 30 square meters to become entirely smoke-free indoors—unless they install a designated smoking room. Establishments violating the rule face fines of up to 50,000 yen, while customers may be fined up to 30,000 yen.

A traditional spring event known as the 'Himesama Dochu' (Princess Procession) was held in Hamamatsu City, drawing large crowds along the route.

The Japan Meteorological Agency announced on March 30th that cherry blossoms (Somei-Yoshino) in central Tokyo have reached full bloom, one day earlier than the historical average and five days earlier than last year.

The eruption alert level for Mount Shinmoedake, part of the Kirishima mountain range on the border of Kagoshima and Miyazaki prefectures, has been raised to Level 3, or "entry restrictions," due to increased volcanic activity.

Explore the hidden gem of Okayama Prefecture, known for its scenic canals, top-tier garden, and famous folktale. Follow along on a three-day adventure through Kurashiki, the Kibiji District, Korakuen garden and Uno Port, the gateway to Japan’s art islands. (japan-guide.com)

An opening ceremony was held Saturday for the Japan Pavilion at the Osaka-Kansai Expo. As the host country's main exhibit, the pavilion is positioned as the symbolic "face" of the Expo, welcoming visitors from around the world with a presentation of Japan's culture of circularity.