An early cherry blossom season in Japan 

Cherry blossom season is underway in Japan. People walk, picnic and stage photo shoots beneath the blossoms during the fleeting weeks they’re in bloom. This year, Kyoto’s flowers reached their peak bloom on Friday — the earliest date since records began in the 9th century. The World’s Carolyn Beeler reports on how a nation’s fascination with the bloom provides a window into our changing climate.

Help keep The World going strong!

The article you just read is free because dedicated readers and listeners like you chose to support our nonprofit newsroom. Our team works tirelessly to ensure you hear the latest in international, human-centered reporting every weekday. But our work would not be possible without you. We need your help.

Make a gift today to help us reach our $25,000 goal and keep The World going strong. Every gift will get us one step closer.