Japan’s old cherry blossom trees raises safety concernsAP, TOKYOMany of Tokyo’s popular and iconic Somei Yoshino cherry blossom trees were planted during Japan’s post-World War II advancement in the 1960s, and are now getting old and frail. Two cherry blossom trees collapsed on Thursday, one at Kinuta Park in downtown Tokyo and the other at the Chidorigafuchi greenway. Aging and erosion by internal fungus growth are among the main causes for the deterioration of the cherry blossom trees. “I hope people think about the climate change through what’s happening to the cherry blossom trees, which is very symbolic,” Wada said. Cherry blossom viewers say the news of falling cherry trees is worrisome, but they did not want to miss the short-lived fluffy pink blossoms.

Source: Taipei Times April 04, 2026 18:34 UTC