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Japan’s cherry blossom season begins with first flowering confirmed in 3 cities

Government cherry blossom spotters declared Monday the first blooms in Kochi, Gifu and Yamanashi, marking the official start of the season after Japan Meteorological Agency confirmations.
Unseasonably warm conditions and low rainfall have caused the somei-yoshino in Kochi to bloom six days earlier than average and seven days earlier than last year.
Officials examined benchmark Somei Yoshino trees and found more than five flowers on each, while observers confirmed six flowers on the Kochi Castle benchmark tree on Monday.
With temperatures forecast to stay at or above average, full bloom is expected in about a week, while communities near viewing venues have complained about littering and noise in recent years.
Gifu and Yamanashi reported somei-yoshino blooms nine days earlier than average, while sakura have deeply influenced Japanese culture, attracting many Japanese public and visitors to walk or picnic under the trees.

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