Environment

Tokyo records the earliest cherry blossom bloom since 1953

Tokyo, Mar 14 (EFE).- Cherry trees began their bloom Tuesday in Tokyo, the earliest date of the year since the Japan Meteorological Agency began recording this data in 1953, along with those of 2020 and 2021, due to high temperatures.

The agency observed the first “sakura” petals on the Japanese hybrid variety of cherry trees “somei yoshihno” in the Tokyo sanctuary of Yasukuni, used as a reference for the beginning of the flowering season of these appreciated trees.

The appearance of the flowers on this date, the same as in 2020 and 2021 and 10 days earlier than in 2022, is a consequence of unusually warm temperatures before the spring equinox on Mar. 21, according to the agency.

The season of “sakura” opens a period of celebration throughout the country in the well-known “hanami,” the tradition of observing the beauty of spring.

This year, citizens will be able to host the popular outdoor gatherings with food and drinks to watch the cherry blossoms in the capital’s parks for the first time since the start of the pandemic.

Authorities recommended in 2020 and 2021 the abstention from celebrating this type of congregation as a preventive anti-contagion measure and even sealed off parks and green areas with cherry trees to discourage citizens. EFE

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