Tokyo's Aging Cherry Blossom Trees Collapse, Sparking Safety Alerts During Peak Season
In Tokyo, the birthplace of Japan's iconic Somei Yoshino cherry blossom variety, a growing safety crisis is unfolding as many of the trees planted during the country's postwar advancement in the 1960s are now aging and becoming frail. These beloved trees, central to the traditional hanami (cherry blossom viewing) season, are increasingly collapsing, raising urgent concerns among officials and the public alike.
Recent Incidents Highlight Immediate Dangers
Two cherry blossom trees collapsed on Thursday, underscoring the severity of the issue. One fell at Kinuta Park in downtown Tokyo, damaging a fence, while another at the Chidorigafuchi greenway nearly toppled into the Imperial Palace moat. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in these specific incidents. The tree at Kinuta Park was particularly large, measuring 18 meters (59 feet) tall and 2.5 meters (8.2 feet) in diameter, and is believed to be over 60 years old.
This follows a March incident at the same park where an old cherry tree collapsed and injured a passerby. According to Masakazu Noguchi, a Tokyo metropolitan official overseeing public parks, 85 trees fell in Tokyo parks last year, resulting in three injuries, with many of these being cherry trees. The timing is critical, as people gather under the trees during hanami, making collapses potentially catastrophic.
Causes and Warning Signs of Tree Deterioration
Aging and internal fungus growth are primary factors contributing to the deterioration of these cherry blossom trees. Tree doctor Hiroyuki Wada explains that signs of risk include heavy tilting, flowering on lower trunks, and mushrooms growing at the base. He notes that risks escalate when tree trunks retain water after rainfall, a condition exacerbated by climate change.
"Many trees in our daily lives were planted soon after the war and are now 70-80 years old and getting weaker," Wada said. "They are affected by extreme summer heat and prolonged dry seasons. I hope people consider climate change through what's happening to these symbolic trees."
Official Responses and Public Reactions
Following the March incidents, officials conducted health checks on trees in Tokyo's main parks ahead of the hanami season. At Kinuta Park, preliminary inspections of over 800 cherry trees led to the felling of some and the posting of warning signs near others. However, the tree that collapsed on Thursday lacked caution signs, highlighting gaps in safety measures.
"At the moment, our measures are mostly temporary, not fundamental steps such as replanting," Noguchi admitted. "We urge visitors to exercise caution because we cannot guarantee safety even after inspections."
Tokyo assembly member Yutaka Kazama voiced concerns on social media last month, noting that "cherry blossom trees with exposed or rotten roots seem dangerous" and called for robust safety measures without hastily resorting to tree felling. At Inokashira Park, a popular viewing spot, dozens of aging trees have been removed as part of a long-term replanting plan, leaving some visitors lamenting the loss of the once-seamless pink blossom canopy around the pond.
Public Sentiment Amidst the Blossoms
Despite the risks, many Japanese are unwilling to miss the short-lived beauty of the cherry blossoms. Visitor Lisa Suzuki expressed mild worry but said, "I guess it's OK if we stay away from tree trunks." Another visitor, Akira Kamiyashiki, brought his daughter despite safety concerns, noting that rain was forecast for the weekend. "Seeing the keep-off signs, I now feel safe," he remarked.
Cherry blossoms, or "sakura," hold deep cultural significance in Japan, symbolizing renewal and typically peaking in late March to early April, coinciding with the start of the new school and business year. The tradition of walking or picnicking under the trees remains cherished, even as safety fears mount.
