TOKYO (AP) — Many of Tokyo’s popular and iconic Somi Yoshino cherry blossom trees were planted during Japan’s post-war boom in the 1960s, and are now growing old and frail.
Some have fallen and many need support, due to safety concerns as the Japanese celebrate their favorite flower season.
Two cherry blossom trees fell on Thursday, one in downtown Tokyo’s Kinuta Park and the other on the Chidorigafuchi Greenway. One in Kinuta Park damaged a fence and another tree fell into a moat at the Imperial Palace, although no one was injured.
The tree in Kinuta Park was 18 meters (59 ft) tall and 2.5 meters (8.2 ft) in diameter. It was among the oldest, believed to be more than 60 years old, officials said. In March, another old cherry tree fell in the park, injuring a hiker.
Last year, 85 trees fell in Tokyo parks, injuring three people, and most were cherry trees, according to Masakazu Noguchi, head of Tokyo Metropolitan Public Parks.
During the season of hanami, people gather under trees, or cherry blossom viewing, and falling trees have worried officials in Tokyo, the birthplace of the cherry blossom variety.
Tokyo assemblyman Yutaka Kazama expressed concern on social media last month that the “partially exposed or apparently rotten cherry blossom trees (in Kinuta Park) look dangerous,” calling for stronger security measures but not immediately cutting down the trees.
Aging and decay caused by indoor fungal growth is one of the main causes of deterioration of cherry blossom trees.
Dr. Hiroyuki Wada, a tree doctor, said heavy bending, holes or mushrooms growing down are signs to look for and avoid trees at risk. He said that the risk increases when water collects on the branches of trees after it rains.
“Many of the trees in our daily life were planted after the war and are now 70-80 years old and weak,” he said, adding that they are affected by extreme heat and widespread dry weather in summer.
“I hope people think about climate change in terms of what’s happening to the cherry blossom trees, which are very symbolic,” he said.
After the March events, officials checked the health of trees in Tokyo’s main parks ahead of the cherry blossom viewing season.
In Kinuta Park, officials have conducted a preliminary inspection of more than 800 cherry trees. They cut down several trees and posted warning signs near some trees but the tree that fell on Thursday was without any warning signs.
“At the moment, our measures are mostly temporary, not basic steps like replanting,” Noguchi said. “We urge visitors to exercise caution as we cannot say it is safe even after inspection.”
In Inokashira Park, one of Tokyo’s most popular sightseeing spots, dozens of old cherry blossom trees or their branches have been cut down in recent years for safe tree regeneration planning and protection. Some people took to social media to bemoan the empty spaces around the pool that were seamlessly surrounded by pink flowers.
Wada says an effective regeneration plan is critical to preserving cherry blossoms and their scenery.
Cherry blossom watchers say the news of falling cherry trees is alarming, but they don’t want to miss the short-lived fluffy pink blossoms.
“I’m a little worried, but I think if we stay away from the tree limbs it’s fine,” Lisa Suzuki said.
Another visitor, Akira Kamiyashiki, said he came with his daughter despite safety concerns because rain is expected over the weekend. “Seeing the keep-off signs, I feel safer now,” he said.
Cherry blossoms, or “sakura,” are Japan’s favorite flower and are usually at their peak from late March to early April, as the country celebrates the start of a new school and business year. Many Japanese enjoy walking under the trees or having a picnic.
