On December 8, the Japan Weather Association released its spring 2023 pollen (cedar and cypress, and birch in Hokkaido) dispersion forecast by nation and prefecture.
Compared to previous years, the forecast for Kyushu is about the same as usual, with slightly more in Shikoku, Chugoku, Kinki, and Hokuriku. More is expected in Tokai, very much in Kanto Koshin and Tohoku, and slightly less in Hokkaido.
Compared to the previous season, the amount of airborne pollen is expected to be higher from Kyushu to Hokuriku, and especially in Shikoku, Kinki, Tokai, and Kanto Koshin regions. Even those who had weak symptoms in the previous season will need to take full measures against hay fever.
The start of cedar pollen dispersal is expected to be on par with that of other years from Kyushu to Tohoku, with the pollen season expected to begin in early February from Kyushu, Shikoku, Chugoku, and parts of Kanto, but since a small amount of pollen begins to fly before it is recognized as the start of dispersal, it is recommended that pollen control measures be started in January in areas expected to be hit in early February.
JICA conducts an annual survey of cedar flower buds in Japan from the latter half of October to the end of November, and in 2022, more flower buds were found to be fruitful than last year.
In addition, the survey is usually conducted a little later in the year for cypress than for cedar, and it is often difficult to confirm the flowering status of cypress, but this year flower buds have already been confirmed, which suggests that the tree is growing steadily.
© Source travel watch