Authorities in Fujiyoshida, a small city near Mount Fuji, have decided to cancel this year's cherry blossom festival, citing the inability of local residents to manage the peak influx of tourists. The significant increase in visitors has resulted in chronic issues such as littering and traffic congestion. Residents have reported more serious complaints, including instances of tourists trespassing and relieving themselves in private gardens, raising concerns about public decency and the quality of local life.

The cherry blossom trees, known worldwide, attract many visitors each spring, creating picturesque views with Mount Fuji as a backdrop. However, the overwhelming number of tourists has triggered a crisis-like situation for the locals, as described by the city’s mayor, Shigeru Horiuchi. He expressed that the picturesque setting of Fujiyoshida is increasingly at risk of compromising the tranquility and quality of life for its residents, stating, "We have a strong sense of crisis."

As a result of these increasing tensions between locals and tourists, city officials made the difficult decision to suspend the festival, which had been a significant cultural event for the past decade. The mayor emphasized that the move was essential to preserve the dignity and living conditions of the citizens. This cancellation highlights the fine balance communities must maintain between welcoming tourists and protecting the needs and well-being of local residents, particularly in tourist hotspots like Fujiyoshida.