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Two Aging Tokyo Cherry Trees Collapse During Hanami Season
Officials said 85 trees fell in Tokyo parks last year as aging Somei Yoshino cherries grow frailer and require support.
- On Thursday, two historic cherry trees collapsed in Tokyo, with one damaging a fence at Kinuta Park and another narrowly avoiding the Imperial Palace moat. No injuries occurred.
- Many of Tokyo's cherry trees planted after the war are now 70-80 years old and weakening due to extreme summer heat and dry seasons. Aging and internal fungus growth accelerate deterioration.
- Tree doctor Hiroyuki Wada identified heavy tilting, mushrooms at the base, and flowering on lower trunks as warning signs. Risks increase when tree trunks retain water after rain.
- Tokyo metropolitan official Masakazu Noguchi stated current safety measures are temporary, noting inspections of more than 800 trees cannot guarantee safety. He urged visitors to exercise caution.
- Despite safety concerns, many Japanese people continue enjoying cherry blossom viewing during the season's peak. Viewers remain worried about falling trees but prioritize experiencing the short-lived blossoms.
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Associated Press News+9 Reposted by 9 other sources
Collapse of Tokyo's aging cherry blossom trees during viewing season raises safety concerns
In Tokyo, the birthplace of Japan’s popular Somei Yoshino cherry blossom variety, many of the trees planted during the country’s postwar advancement of the 1960s are now getting old and frail.
·United States
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources16
Leaning Left9Leaning Right3Center3Last UpdatedBias Distribution60% Left
Bias Distribution
- 60% of the sources lean Left
60% Left
L 60%
C 20%
R 20%
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