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23 — CHERRY BLOSSOMS
Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo
Every spring, news that "the cherry blossoms have opened in Tokyo" is broadcast across Japan. The Somei-yoshino, the cherry that stands for sakura in Japan, is in fact thought to have spread from a village of Edo nurserymen. Blossom-viewing spots created by a shogun, and a single tree that decides when the blossoms have opened: we trace Tokyo's deep bond with the cherry.
Labels: Factdocumented Likelysupported by most sources Legendoral tradition Urban legendlocal lore and rumour
The Somei-yoshino was born in Tokyo
LikelyThe Somei-yoshino, said to account for some 80 percent of Japan's cherry trees, is thought to have been spread towards the end of the Edo period by the nurserymen of Somei village in Edo (around today's Komagome in Toshima City). At first it was called "Yoshino-zakura", after Yoshino in Nara, a famous place for cherry blossoms; in the Meiji era it was named "Somei-yoshino" to distinguish it from the wild mountain cherries of Yoshino.
FactGenetic research has shown that the Somei-yoshino was born from a cross between the Edo-higan and the Oshima-zakura, among others. Because its seeds do not grow into trees with the same characteristics, every Somei-yoshino in Japan is a clone propagated by grafting. That is why the trees in any one area all bloom at once and all shed their petals at once.
Look here: Somei Cemetery and "the birthplace of the Somei-yoshino"
Around Somei Cemetery in Komagome, Toshima City, and near Komagome Station, there are monuments marking "the birthplace of the Somei-yoshino cherry". Cherry trees are also planted on the embankment beside the platforms of JR Komagome Station, and in spring you can see the blossoms from the train window.
Blossom-viewing spots created by Yoshimune
FactIt was in the time of the eighth shogun, Tokugawa Yoshimune, that the common people of Edo became able to enjoy hanami (blossom viewing) freely. While Yoshimune pushed through austerity in his Kyoho Reforms, he also had cherry trees planted as places of enjoyment for ordinary people — at Asukayama (Kita City), along the banks of the Sumida River, and at Gotenyama in Shinagawa.
FactAt Asukayama, people were allowed to drink, sing and make merry at their blossom-viewing parties. The people of Edo set off for hanami with packed lunches and sake, and some are said to have dressed up in costume and danced. The culture of the "hanami party" that continues today spread at this time.
The single tree that decides when the blossoms open
FactThe opening of Tokyo's cherry blossoms is judged by staff of the Japan Meteorological Agency, who observe a single Somei-yoshino — the hyohonboku (sample tree) — in the grounds of Yasukuni Shrine. When five or six or more flowers are open on this tree, "blooming" is announced; when more than 80 percent of the buds have opened, "full bloom" is announced. Every spring the press gathers around the sample tree, and the staff counting the flowers are broadcast live.
Tokyo's cherry trees in Washington
FactIn 1912 Ozaki Yukio, the mayor of Tokyo City, sent about 3,000 cherry saplings to Washington, D.C., as a token of friendship between Japan and the United States. Planted along the Potomac, the trees are still a highlight of spring in Washington, and the National Cherry Blossom Festival is held every year. In fact, the first saplings, sent in 1909, were found to have pests and were burned, and the gift succeeded only on the second attempt.
Main sources: Toshima City, "Birthplace of the Somei-yoshino" / Kita City, "History of Asukayama Park" / Japan Meteorological Agency, "Observation of Cherry Blossom Blooming and Full Bloom" / National Diet Library, "The Gift of Cherry Trees to Washington"