Tokyo’s cherry blossom season starts five days early, with 61 blooms counted on the official tree at Yasukuni Shrine amid warmer weather

TOKYO: Meteorologists officially declared the start of Tokyo’s cherry blossom season on Thursday. The announcement came after officials confirmed 61 open flowers on the official sample tree at Yasukuni Shrine.

The Japan Meteorological Agency stated that the blooming of the Somei Yoshino variety was observed. This year’s bloom arrived five days earlier than the average date of March 24.

The early blooming is attributed to warmer-than-usual weather since mid-February. The earliest recorded bloom in Tokyo remains March 14, last seen in 2023.

To make the declaration official, two suit-clad JMA officials carefully inspected the tree. They counted and pointed to the open flowers in front of dozens of spectators and national media.

One official announced the finding to the crowd, which prompted applause. The ritual marks the highly anticipated beginning of the capital’s floral season.

Spectators gathered at the shrine to witness the annual event. One public official, 30-year-old Taira Toru, said the season offers hope during global turmoil.

“It’s something that happens every year, but with the situation in Iran right now… the world is in turmoil, and with spring having come, I really hope that peace will come again,” he said.

The season officially begins when the designated tree opens at least five flowers. Local broadcasters had shown the blooms repeatedly since early Thursday morning.

 The Sun Malaysia