The season of khanami, which means “admiring flowers,” in the Land of the Rising Sun began ahead of schedule.
For the first time in more than 600 years, cherry blossoms bloomed at the end of March. Flowering peaked on March 26th. Although usually hanami occurs in mid-April.
The people of Kyoto were the first to see the symbol of spring.
“The last time the Japanese observed such an early peak was in 1409,” says Yasuyuki Aono, a scientist from Osaka University. – Then the sakura bloomed on March 27. But since about 1800, the peak flowering day has gradually shifted from mid-April to the beginning of the month.
Scientists conclude that it is global warming and urbanization that are contributing to changes in the date of the beginning of cherry blossoms.
“Spring in the Northern Hemisphere, where Japan is located, has been coming ahead of schedule for several years,” scientists continue. – Not only plants, but also animals have changed their usual way of life. We see this everywhere.
In Japan, cherry blossoms last for several days. For local residents, this is a kind of spring holiday. The Japanese gather with family and friends in parks, have picnics and relax under the shade of pink and white trees, enjoying their scent.
And even with the warning from the authorities to comply with restrictive measures in connection with the coronavirus pandemic, the Japanese come to parks to admire the cherry blossoms for at least a few minutes.
