Japan’s weather agency declares flowering of Tokyo’s cherry blossoms

The blooming Somei Yoshino cherry tree at the specimen tree at Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo (Kyodo Photo via AP)

Japan’s official cherry blossom spotters confirmed the first blooming of the country’s favourite flower, declaring the official start of the festive season in the Japanese capital.

An official from the Japan Meteorological Agency carefully examined the specimen tree of Somei Yoshino variety at Tokyo’s Yasukuni shrine and announced that more than five blossoms — the minimum required for the announcement — were flowering on it.