Mon Mar 24 05:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Cherry Blossoms Bloom Earliest on Record in Kochi City
**KOCHI/KUMAMOTO/TOKYO, Japan** – Cherry blossom season has officially begun in Japan, with Kochi City in Shikoku and Kumamoto City in Kyushu reporting the first blooms of the year on March 23rd. This marks the earliest nationwide blooming of Someiyoshino cherry trees on record, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA).
In Kochi City, the blossoms appeared on the same date as last year, one day later than the average. Kumamoto City also saw its first blooms, one day behind the average but three days earlier than last year. The Kochi Local Meteorological Observatory confirmed over ten blossoms on their reference tree near Kochi Castle, leading to the official announcement.
The warm weather played a significant role. Kochi City experienced temperatures reaching nearly 24°C (75°F) on March 23rd, while Kumamoto saw temperatures 4-7 degrees above average. Kochi’s blossoms are expected to reach full bloom within a week. Kumamoto’s are expected to reach full bloom in 7-10 days.
Meanwhile, in Tokyo, observers at Yasukuni Shrine, where the JMA monitors cherry blossoms, reported no blooms on March 23rd, delaying the Tokyo bloom announcement. Despite the warm weather (Tokyo reached 25.6°C, its first day above 25°C this year), many hopeful visitors were disappointed.
The unusually warm weather across much of Japan saw record high temperatures in several locations. Tsuyama City, Okayama Prefecture, hit a record-breaking 26.8°C for March, the highest since record-keeping began in 1943. Several other cities also experienced temperatures typically seen in late April to mid-June.
However, the JMA issued a warning for unstable atmospheric conditions and potential severe weather, including thunderstorms, tornadoes, hail, and heavy rain, for western and eastern Japan from March 24th to 25th. Residents are urged to take precautions.
First Piper 