Japan's iconic cherry blossoms, known as sakura, have reached their peak bloom earlier than ever before in many locations this year, with experts attributing the trend to global warming. In Kyoto, the blossoms peaked on 26 March, the earliest since official records began in 1953 and 10 days ahead of the 30-year average.
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, 40 of the 58 benchmark cherry trees across the country have already reached peak bloom, with 14 setting new records. The trees typically bloom for about two weeks from first bud to petal fall.
Historical data from diaries and poetry books suggests this year may be the earliest peak in over a millennium. Yasuyuki Aono, an environmental scientist at Osaka Prefecture University, noted that previous earliest blooms in Kyoto occurred on 27 March in 1612, 1409, and 1236.
Shunji Anbe, an official at the Japan Meteorological Agency, stated: 'We can say it's most likely because of the impact of the global warming.' Agency data shows that Kyoto's average March temperature has risen from 8.6°C in 1953 to 10.6°C in 2020, with this year's national average reaching 12.4°C.
The early blooming disrupts cultural traditions, as sakura have long symbolized life, death, and rebirth in Japanese poetry and literature. The blossoms once coincided with the start of the school and business year in April, but now often fade before the first day of school.
