Hanami of the future: Japan relies on a new variety of cherry tree – knowledge

When Tokyo arborist Hiroyuki Wada ponders the future of cherry blossoms in Japan, one variety in particular comes to mind: Jindai Akebono. “This is a new cherry from Tokyo,” says Wada. It has what it takes to one day supersede the generation of ancient Somei Yoshino trees that make up most of the avenues of cherry blossoms, Japanese sakura, make out in the island nation. Jindai Akebono grows vigorously, flowers earlier, has the trendy soft pink color and is not as susceptible to the mold Taphrina wiesneri. In short: Jindai Akebono is a modern tree that seems to be up to the challenges of the zeitgeist and climate change.

Hanami, the celebration of the cherry blossom, is back in full swing this year after three years of pandemic-related hiatus, complete with mass picnics and singing. Those who are familiar with Tokyo’s cherry trees like Hiroyuki Wada, 62, from the Japanese Flower Association, are still not free of worries these days. In Japan’s capital, the cherry blossoms have started very early again. The cherries at Yasukuni Shrine, which serve as a benchmark for the weather bureau, had their first open buds as early as March 14 – just like in 2020 and 2021. Before that, they had been coming late since cherry blossom records began in 1953. Global warming can be felt. “It’s not good for the trees,” says Wada.

Arborist Hiroyuki Wada next to a young Jindai Akebono tree.

(Photo: Thomas Hahn)

Trees in Tokyo don’t have it easy anyway. The high-rise desert heats up considerably in summer. The floor is sealed with asphalt. And many cherries are no longer the youngest.

They have been an integral part of Japanese urban scenery since the Edo period (1603 to 1868). The Shogun Tokugawa Yoshimune had the first public cherry orchards planted in the 18th century, primarily with wild varieties. From 1868 onward, the Meiji Restoration governments continued the hanami trend, albeit with the new clone strain, Somei Yoshino. Not only did this flower very beautifully in an almost white pink – the plant dealers were able to propagate it quickly using the grafting method without seeds. After the devastation of World War II, a new planting program began in the 1950s with Somei Yoshino, including for the 1964 Olympics. “Today, Tokyo has mostly the trees that were planted back then,” says Wada.

But how long? Somei Yoshino is susceptible to Taphrina wiesneri and does not produce effective seed as a clone. “We are currently examining whether a generational change is necessary,” says Wada. The tree doctors are trying to revive ailing Somei Yoshino cherries with fertilizer and loosened soil. If the tree does not recover, it is removed and replaced together with the root. For example by the more robust Jindai Akebono.

So a remodeling of the Japanese cherry tree landscape is underway. How dramatic it turns out also depends on local tourism interests. After all, the cherry tree is an attraction of the Japan PR. “Every community wants trees that suit them,” says Wada. But the decisive factor is the power of the old trees. And climate change. Hiroyuki Wada is not a pessimist. The weather records are bearable for the cherries. Unless it gets even warmer. “Then,” he says, “it gets difficult.”

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