The Japanese weather forecasting company Weather News has announced the predicted bloom dates for cherry blossoms this year, with Tokyo expected to see the first blooms on March 21. The following cities, Fukuoka, Kochi, and Yokohama, are anticipated to experience their blooms shortly after on the 22nd, followed by Nagoya and Hiroshima on the 23rd. The blooming period is generally occurring at or slightly earlier than the average timings for this season in eastern and western Japan, while northern Japan might see blooms occurring at or very soon compared to the ordinary time frame.

This prediction results from conditions that have been favorable for cherry blossom blooming. According to Weather News, cherry blossoms require the breaking of dormancy brought on by winter chilling, which prepares the buds developed in summer for flowering. The winter of the preceding year has been marked by several strong cold waves, which have helped establish the necessary conditions for the blooms across Japan, indicating that preparations for blooming are well underway nationwide.

Temperatures in late February are expected to be near average, while forecasts for March suggest that western Japan will experience average or slightly higher temperatures and eastern Japan will also see average to above-average conditions. As a cultural symbol and popular attraction, the timing of the cherry blossoms is significant for citizens and visitors alike, marking a cherished season in Japan, reflective of the changing seasons and a time for celebrations and hanami (flower-viewing gatherings).