28 Mar 2025, 21:34 GMT+10
TOKYO, Japan: This week, Japan's cherry blossom season officially began as experts confirmed the first blooms in Tokyo.
A specialist from the Japan Meteorological Agency checked a Somei Yoshino cherry tree at Yasukuni Shrine and found more than five blossoms—the minimum needed to declare the start of the season. This year's blooming is right on schedule and five days earlier than last year.
Cherry blossoms, or "sakura," are Japan's most beloved flowers and usually peak in late March to early April, coinciding with the start of the new school and business year. Many people celebrate by walking or picnicking under the trees.
For centuries, sakura has played a vital role in Japanese culture, often appearing in poetry and literature as a symbol of life, death, and renewal.
The announcement comes as Tokyo experiences warm weather, around 19°C (66°F). Just a day earlier, the first cherry blossoms of the year were reported in Kochi, a city in southwestern Japan.
The Japan Meteorological Agency tracks over 50 key cherry trees across the country.
The blossoms typically last about two weeks, from the first bloom to when all the petals fall. Scientists also use the timing of cherry blossoms to study climate change, as rising temperatures have caused them to bloom earlier in recent years.
Get a daily dose of Scotland Star news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Scotland Star.
More InformationLONDON/STOCKHOLM: The Persson family is ramping up its investment in the H&M fashion empire, fueling renewed speculation about a potential...
PARIS, France: L'Oréal is making a fresh play in the booming premium haircare segment with a new acquisition. The French beauty conglomerate...
LONDON, UK - Lawmakers in the United Kingdom have voted overwhelmingly to proscribe the direct-action group Palestine Action as a terrorist...
PARIS, France: France is taking stronger steps to reduce smoking. A new health rule announced on Saturday will soon ban smoking in...
]LONDON, U.K.: A World Health Organization (WHO) expert group investigating the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic released its final...
LONDON, U.K.: British oil giant Shell has denied reports that it is in talks to acquire rival oil company BP. The Wall Street Journal...
GENEVA, Switzerland: A new United Nations report alleges that dozens of global corporations are profiting from and helping sustain...
LONDON, UK - Lawmakers in the United Kingdom have voted overwhelmingly to proscribe the direct-action group Palestine Action as a terrorist...
DHARAMSHALA, India: The Dalai Lama is set to address a significant three-day conference of Buddhist leaders this week, coinciding with...
WASHINGTON, D.C.: In a significant ruling last week, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a Texas law requiring age verification for users...
ISTANBUL/PARIS/BRUSSELS: As searing temperatures blanket much of Europe, wildfires are erupting and evacuation orders are being issued...
VENICE, Italy: Over the weekend, hundreds of protesters marched through the narrow streets of Venice to voice their opposition to billionaire...