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Climate Change and Cherry Tree Blossom Festivals in Japan
Abstract
C limate change is already having an influence on plants throughout the world, with warming trends creating conditions that cause many plant species to extend to cooler zones on mountain slopes or farther north of their original ranges. Plants are leaf-ing out earlier in the spring and holding leaves longer in the autumn, creating an extended growing season. Of all of the characteristics of plants that relate to global warming, the timing of flowering is the one for which there are the greatest number of observations. These data demonstrate that plants are now flowering earlier than they did a few decades ago, and that changes are mainly a product of temperature increase, rather than a result of other aspects of the weather. Although observations of flowering time tell a convincing story of the impacts People enjoying the cherry blossom festival in Ueono Park, a popular spot in the center of Tokyo.
... Global climate change can lead to meaningful changes in plant phenology as temperature affects the timing of development, not only alone but also by interacting with other factors, such as the photoperiod [1,2]. A number of recent studies showed that the growing season of vegetation has been extended by recent climate change [3][4][5][6][7][8][9] and this extension mostly results from the earlier onset of spring. Many of those studies have reported a correlation between earlier spring phenology and rising temperature but have showed different effects on the end of the growing season [1,[10][11][12][13][14][15]. ...
... Numerous techniques to observe how phenology has changed, including ground-based observations [6,[42][43][44], digital repeat photography [45][46][47][48][49], and satellite remote sensing [7,16,23,[50][51][52] have been developed. Among these techniques, satellite remote sensing is taking the spotlight because of the advantage of providing multi-decadal records of vegetation phenology across larger spatial scales than other techniques [53][54][55]. ...
... Many data usually demonstrate that these changes are mainly a product of temperature increase rather than of other aspects of the weather [6,8,[87][88][89][90][91][92][93][94]. However, precipitation (Mediterranean vegetation) [85,95], the timing of snowmelt and the temperatures that follow snowmelt (high-latitude and high-altitude ecosystems), the amount and seasonal variability of precipitation, the duration of the dry season, solar radiation (tropical forests) [96][97][98][99][100][101][102], and photoperiod and winter chilling requirements (some temperate tree species) [103][104][105][106][107] are also known as critical factors that regulate spring phenology. ...
This study aims to monitor spatiotemporal changes of spring phenology using the green-up start dates based on the accumulated growing degree days (AGDD) and the enhanced vegetation index (EVI), which were deducted from moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS) land surface temperature (LST) data. The green-up start dates were extracted from the MODIS-derived AGDD and EVI for 30 Mongolian oak (Quercus mongolica Fisch.) stands throughout South Korea. The relationship between green-up day of year needed to reach the AGDD threshold (DoYAGDD) and air temperature was closely maintained in data in both MODIS image interpretation and from 93 meteorological stations. Leaf green-up dates of Mongolian oak based on the AGDD threshold obtained from the records measured at five meteorological stations during the last century showed the same trend as the result of cherry observed visibly. Extrapolating the results, the spring onset of Mongolian oak and cherry has become earlier (14.5 ± 4.3 and 10.7 ± 3.6 days, respectively) with the rise of air temperature over the last century. The temperature in urban areas was consistently higher than that in the forest and the rural areas and the result was reflected on the vegetation phenology. Our study expanded the scale of the study on spring vegetation phenology spatiotemporally by combining satellite images with meteorological data. We expect our findings could be used to predict long-term changes in ecosystems due to climate change.
... Many countries around the world have a rich history of planting ornamental cherries and celebrating their blossoms as a symbol of spring. The literature in Japan, in particular, indicates that the first cherry blossom festival was celebrated in Kyoto as early as the 9th century (Taguchi, 1939;Primack and Higuchi, 2007). The cherry blossom festivals symbolize important historical and cultural values of many celebrated cherry tree varieties (Jefferson and Fusonie, 1977;Primack and Higuchi, 2007;Sakurai et al., 2011); Japanese mountain cherry (Prunus jamasakura) and Somei-Yoshino (Prunus x yedoensis) are among the most celebrated and widely planted cherry tree varieties in Japan (Sakurai et al., 2011). ...
... The literature in Japan, in particular, indicates that the first cherry blossom festival was celebrated in Kyoto as early as the 9th century (Taguchi, 1939;Primack and Higuchi, 2007). The cherry blossom festivals symbolize important historical and cultural values of many celebrated cherry tree varieties (Jefferson and Fusonie, 1977;Primack and Higuchi, 2007;Sakurai et al., 2011); Japanese mountain cherry (Prunus jamasakura) and Somei-Yoshino (Prunus x yedoensis) are among the most celebrated and widely planted cherry tree varieties in Japan (Sakurai et al., 2011). The cherry blossom festivals have enriched art, music, and literature (Nagai et al., 2019) and provided economic and social benefits to the local communities (Sakurai et al., 2011). ...
Rising global temperatures are affecting plant phenology. Spring warming can lead to early flowering due to accelerated heat accumulation after dormancy. Winter warming, however, may counteract this acceleration by extending the chilling period required for endodormancy release. We tested this hypothesis with historical bloom data of a flowering cherry (Prunus x yedoensis) collected from multiple locations in Japan across a latitudinal gradient. We determined differential chilling and forcing temperature effects based on advances (-) or delays (+) of bloom dates per degree Celsius of change (temperature sensitivity, S T). We applied a chilling-forcing modeling approach to reveal and disentangle the differential temperature effects during and after dormancy on spring phenology across different latitudes over time. Our analysis showed that the effects of chilling temperatures during dormancy were variable along the latitudinal gradient, while the effect of forcing temperatures after dormancy was more consistent regardless of latitude. Notably, the elevated temperatures, and thereby reduced chilling, during endodormancy delayed the bloom dates at lower latitudes, and this trend was more pronounced in recent years. Our results support the hypothesis that the effect of winter warming during endodormancy can offset or even outweigh the effect of spring warming by extending the dormancy period, and this can manifest as an overall delay in bloom dates. While the delay in flowering phenology due to winter warming is observable only in lower latitudes currently, it is likely to expand to higher latitudes in the future climate if the warming trend continues. Our findings also highlight the value of concerted long-term phenological records that can provide insights into the mechanisms underlying plasticity in tree physiology with a unique opportunity to predict their responses in a changing climate.
... Additionally, the high abundance of A. bungii host plants in Japan may also elevate Japan's susceptibility to invasions. Many ornamental cherry trees are planted in urban areas throughout Japan because of the unique Japanese traditional culture of the spring cherry blossom festival (Hanami in Japanese) ( Figure 5) [34,35]. Ornamental cherry trees have been damaged by A. bungii since the species was first detected in each of the introduced regions of Japan. ...
Aromia bungii (Faldermann) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) is an invasive pest, damaging Rosaceae trees (particularly Prunus) in Japan and Europe. The establishment of this beetle in Japan was first detected in 2012, and subsequently, it has rapidly expanded its distribution. Currently, Japanese populations of A. bungii are widely distributed in six non-contiguous regions. In this study, we compared the nucleotide sequences of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 of the populations in these six regions in Japan to examine whether multiple introductions or human-mediated long-distance dispersal have contributed to the non-contiguous distribution of A. bungii. Seven haplotypes were detected from Japanese populations, and one of these was identical to a sequence deposited from China. One to two haplotypes were detected in each region, suggesting a genetic bottleneck. Detected haplotypes differed between introduced regions, although two regions shared a single haplotype. These results suggest that multiple independent introductions of A. bungii have contributed to its non-contiguous distribution in Japan. Quarantine measures for wood-packing materials in trade need to be strengthened to prevent the establishment of further populations of A. bungii.
... The results from the interviews suggests that this cultural event continues the traditions established the early Nara period (710-784), when the country was under the influence of the Chinese Tang dynasty. Primack and Higuchi [33] argue that Ohanami is argued as the special feature of Japanese life. Carnazzi [34] and McClellan [35] asserted that the choice of admiring Sakura can be traced back as far as the Heian period, which was between years 794-1185. ...
Background: One important form of sustainability is the continuation of culture and cultural practices. This study examined the case of Japanese Ohanami or cherry blossom festivals. Historically, Ohanami focused on the cherry blossom as a symbol of spring’s arrival, where communal aspects, consumption of sake and seasonal foods, painting or photography, and pilgrimages to sacred sites were used to celebrate the ephemeral aspects of blossoms, spring, and life. Methods: This study examines how cherry blossom festivals are celebrated and understood and how these celebrations are changing. Results: Current celebrations demonstrate several forces are changing this celebration. The changes in cherry blossom festivals are seen in four areas (bonding, cultural continuity, marketing exploitation, and cultural symbolism). Cherry blossom festivals are also observed overseas—at first glance this suggests its continuity, however, the ways in which Ohanami is observed raise concerns about the accuracy of this cultural practice. Conclusion: Ohanami celebrations are celebrated both in Japan and overseas, and although their practice continues, the nature of the cultural celebrations are changing.
... This could have a direct impact on cities in which the collection of fruits from urban trees is a cultural tradition that promotes social participation and cohesion (Castro et al., 2018). But most often, its incorporation as an urban tree is primarily ornamental, especially for its spectacular flowering that usually marks the beginning of spring (Primack and Higuchi, 2007). A change towards cultivars and varieties of fruits that are more pleasant to eat would position the Rosaceae family as a viable option as components of urban food forests. ...
Seasonal cycles in plants and animals drive key timings of human practices in an agrosystem like the best time for harvest, planting, or pruning. Within the framework of historical phenological studies, we attempt a reconstruction of the olive (Olea europaea L.) phenology along millennia. Thanks to its extraordinary longevity, the olive tree is a living proxy from the past and embodies a still uncollected long-term memory of ecological behaviors. A cultural keystone species, olive cultivation has more and more played a crucial role for biodiversity conservation, livelihood of rural communities and their enrooted cultural identity in the whole Mediterranean. By compiling traditional phenological knowledge from historical written sources and oral traditions, and using it as historical bio-indicator of the linkage between human ecological practices and seasonal changes of plant behavior, we compiled a monthly ecological calendar of the olive tree covering the last ∼2800 years. As a case study, we chose a special place: Sicily, unique for its position in the Mediterranean, geomorphology and legacies in the form of cross-temporal accumulated eco-cultures. Such a sui generis ecological calendar provides an additional case study to explore the intertwining of plant behavior and human adaptation strategies and the interplay between cultural diversity, ecological disturbance and phenological stability. All of this, in turn, can inform action for the present and future sustainable management of these millennial trees.
Citizen science (CS) can help to tackle the emerging and worldwide problem of marine litter (ML), from collecting data to engaging different stakeholders. We reviewed what and how the scientific literature is reporting CS on ML to identify possible gaps to be improved. The 92 search results (separate occasions when 48 different CS initiatives were discussed across 85 publication records) revealed an under-representation of studies in developing regions. Most search results focused on the science of ML, whilst information regarding citizen scientists was commonly vague or missing, preventing critical analysis of good practices on this aspect. The studies concentrated on the shoreline and did not harmonize types and sizes of items collected, thus precluding data meta-analyses. The standardisation of CS methods and approaches and the detailed report of aspects related to citizen scientists are essential to support the science we need for the advances in CS efforts to face ML.
Entender la problemática del cambio climático como elemento central de una crisis civilizatoria de la modernidad occidental exige un mayor conocimiento de la diversidad de culturas-naturalezas. Este artículo aborda la historia ambiental de Japón desde un enfoque comunicacional a partir del caso de estudio de las representaciones de la flor de cerezo (sakura). Considerada un símbolo de Japón, la sakura está asociada con la primavera en la “cultura de las cuatro estaciones”. En la contemporaneidad, el anuncio de su floración es motivo de coberturas mediáticas anuales debido a la costumbre extendida del Hanami (reunión de observación de la flor). Este estudio exploratorio aborda la serie periodística sobre los impactos del cambio climático en los patrones de floración de la sakura del diario Mainichi Shimbun (2016-2020). Constatamos que el porcentaje de publicaciones coincide con la estacionalidad de marzo y abril. La serie periodística se inaugura en la Sección Ciencia por la difusión de investigaciones en ciencias forestales. Luego se transpone como nuevo criterio de noticiabilidad a otras secciones generalistas, como la Local. Así, la noticia de la alteración en los tiempos de la floración de la sakura puede manifestar un indicio concreto del cambio climático en la vida cotidiana de la sociedad japonesa.
Impacts of climate change (e.g., abnormal growth in plants, early flowering, and shifting vegetation zones) are being detected throughout the world. Urban land use and its resulting microclimates work in conjunction with the impacts of climate change. Among the principal environmental signals that modulate bud flush, only temperature has changed significantly in recent years. Throughout South Korea, abnormal shoots (usually known as lammas shoots) in Korean red pine (Pinus densiflora), which were once a rare phenomenon, have become notably more common in recent years. The phenomenon is prominent in urban site of each local area. These abnormal shoots appear at a higher frequency and grow to longer lengths in Seoul's hotter urban center than in suburban sites and showed a close positive correlation with urban density and a close negative correlation with vegetation cover expressed as NDVI. Differences in temperature among the urban center, urban edge, and suburban greenbelt were significantly correlated with land-use intensity. Korean red pines planted in urban parks at sites in urban centers showed a lower frequency of abnormal shoots, and the length of the shoots was shorter, compared with those at the other urban sites. Furthermore, the phenology of Korean red pines in an urban park with a fountain showed a spatial difference, depending upon the distance from the fountain: pine trees close to the fountain did not produce abnormal shoots, but abnormal shoot growth increased with the distance from the fountain. These results are noteworthy because they are related to the cooling effects of evapotranspiration from vegetated landscapes and evaporation from a water body. From the results of this study, we could confirm that microclimate change due to urbanization accelerates the impacts of climate change on plant phenology. Furthermore, we identified the possibility that judicious land-use planning could contribute to minimizing the adverse effects of climate change.
Phenology is a valuable attribute of vegetation to assess the biological impacts from climate change. A challenge of phenological research is to obtain information on both high temporal resolution and fine spatial scale observations. Here, we constructed an air temperature map based on temporal merging and spatial interpolation algorithms to overcome the cloud-related problem from the MODIS LST product. Then, we derived the accumulated growing degree days (AGDD) from the constructed mean air temperature map to use as a meteorological indicator. Further, we verified the indicator with the seasonal mean air temperature and the green-up date of a Quercus mongolica forest determined from the field-based measurements. The AGDD threshold for each Q. mongolica forest when the first leaf has unfolded was detected from the EXG trajectory extracted from digital camera images. A comparison between meteorological and MODIS-derived AGDD showed good agreement between them. There was also high consistency between DoYs extracted from AGDD and EVI based on curvature K for Q. mongolica forests of 30 sampling sites throughout South Korea. The results prove that microclimatic factors such as elevation, waterbody, and land-use intensity were faithfully reflected in the reconstructed images. Therefore, the results of this study could be applied effectively in areas where microclimatic variation is very severe and for monitoring phenology of undergrowth, which is difficult to detect from reflectance imaging.
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