Warming climes lead to early blooming of Japan's famed cherry blossoms
Cherry trees are sensitive to temperature changes and the timing of their blooming can provide valuable data for climate change studies.
Japan's famous cherry blossoms have reached their flowery peak in many places earlier this year than at any time since formal records started being kept nearly 70 years ago, with experts saying climate change is the likely cause. (Photo | AP)
Japan’s favorite flower, called “sakura,' used to reach its peak bloom in April, just as the country celebrates the start of its new school and business year. (Photo | AP)
Some say it is the earliest peak bloom ever based on records from historic documents, diaries, and poetry books from Kyoto. (Photo | AP)
The trees normally bloom for about two weeks each year from the first bud to all the blossoms falling off. (Photo | AP)
Cherry trees are sensitive to temperature changes and the timing of their blooming can provide valuable data for climate change studies. (Photo | AP)
Sakura has deeply influenced Japanese culture for centuries and regularly been used in poetry and literature with their fragility seen as a symbol of life, death, and rebirth. (Photo | AP)
A man wearing a protective mask to help curb the spread of the coronavirus pauses under cherry blossoms, in Tokyo. (Photo | AP)
