Tokyo is poised to buck historical trends and become the first area on mainland Japan where the famous sakura (cherry blossoms) flower and enter full bloom.
In fact, the ephemeral flower, which lasts about two weeks and heralds the dawn of spring, is blooming earlier than before across the country due to global warming.
The Japan Weather Association (JWA) predicts that for 2024, the sakura will flower in Tokyo on March 19 and reach full bloom on March 25 – both dates the earliest across Japan.
Another prediction, by the Japan Meteorological Corporation (JMC), has the sakura flowering in Tokyo on March 23. Full bloom is forecast on March 30, earlier than in areas such as Kyoto and Osaka.
Tokyo is suffering the double whammy of warmer temperatures and the “heat island effect”, Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) climate risk management officer Daisuke Sasano said on March 12. The heat island effect refers to how urban areas are warmer than rural regions as heat is absorbed and reflected by man-made structures.
JMA records show that mean temperatures across Japan have risen 1.6 deg C in the last century, with 2023 the hottest year on record. In Tokyo, however, the mercury has spiked an average 3.3 deg C over 100 years.
All 47 prefectures have at least one “specimen tree”. When five to six flowers on the specimen tree open, the sakura in an entire region is said to have started flowering. Full bloom happens when 80 per cent of the buds of the tree have opened.
Denne historien er fra March 13, 2024-utgaven av The Straits Times.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra March 13, 2024-utgaven av The Straits Times.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
'Football died' when Klopp joined Red Bull
BERLIN - Jurgen Klopp's decision to join Red Bull as their Global Head of Soccer has sparked strong reactions from many German fans.
ALCARAZ IN 'CRAZY' LOSS TO MACHAC
Spaniard can’t believe opponent’s level after defeat scuppers rematch with Italian Sinner
New arrivals at FIA after high-profile departures
LONDON Formula One's governing body announced two senior appointments after headline departures triggered talk of an exodus from the International Automobile Federation (FIA) led by Emirati Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
OLYMPIC RINGS OF FIRE OVER EIFFEL TOWER
French minister plans to wrest control of landmark from Paris mayor amid logo row
EVEREST CLIMBS TO GROUP 1 HEIGHTS
World’s richest sprint race gains recognition at its eighth running, as well as All-Star Mile
Heat stress Different work conditions require flexible guidelines on workers' attire
We thank Mr Rahul Gupta for his suggestions (Study standard heat-friendly work clothes for outdoor workers, Oct 8).
Airbus deliveries drop as suppliers struggle
PARIS Airbus deliveries fell 9 per cent in September to 50 jets compared with the same month in 2023, the European planemaker said on Oct 9, rekindling a debate over the strength of its industrial goals as suppliers struggle to keep up with demand.
Mental health ambassadors at all PAP branches by 2025
By 2025, all 93 People's Action Party (PAP) branches will have mental health ambassadors to promote mental well-being in every neighbourhood and support the work of MPs in addressing residents' mental health concerns.
Zelensky says there is 'real chance' to end war in 2025
He did not reveal how this could happen but is counting on support from key allies
Prabowo defends plan to expand government with ‘fat' Cabinet
JAKARTA Indonesia's Presidentelect Prabowo Subianto has defended his plan to expand government agencies, saying it is needed for a strong administration even if critics call it a \"fat\" Cabinet that will bloat the bureaucracy.