1,200-Year Cherry Blossom Record Continues After Japanese Scientist's Death
Following the death of Professor Yasuyuki Aono in August 2025, fears arose that his meticulous 1,200-year record of cherry blossom bloom dates in Kyoto might end. Aono, a researcher at Osaka Metropolitan University, used historical sources dating back to the 9th century to track the flowering of mountain cherries (Prunus jamasakura), providing crucial data on climate change impacts. His work demonstrated that blossoms are occurring progressively earlier due to rising temperatures. When data scientist Tuna Acisu noticed Aono’s university profile was inactive and no new data appeared for spring 2026, she launched a public search for a successor. The campaign successfully identified an anonymous researcher in Japan who has agreed to continue observations in Arashiyama, Kyoto, using the same methodology. This ensures the continuity of one of the world’s longest climate records. Unlike other monitoring projects that track different species like Somei-yoshino, this specific dataset offers unique long-term insights into seasonal shifts. The continuation of this record highlights the scientific community's dedication to preserving vital environmental data despite the loss of key individual contributors.
Wire timeline
1,200-Year Cherry Blossom Record Continues After Japanese Scientist's Death
Following the death of Professor Yasuyuki Aono in August 2025, fears arose that his meticulous 1,200-year record of cherry blossom bloom dates in Kyoto might end. Aono, a researcher at Osaka Metropolitan University, used historical sources dating back to the 9th century to track the flowering of mountain cherries (Prunus jamasakura), providing crucial data on climate change impacts. His work demonstrated that blossoms are occurring progressively earlier due to rising temperatures. When data scientist Tuna Acisu noticed Aono’s university profile was inactive and no new data appeared for spring 2026, she launched a public search for a successor. The campaign successfully identified an anonymous researcher in Japan who has agreed to continue observations in Arashiyama, Kyoto, using the same methodology. This ensures the continuity of one of the world’s longest climate records. Unlike other monitoring projects that track different species like Somei-yoshino, this specific dataset offers unique long-term insights into seasonal shifts. The continuation of this record highlights the scientific community's dedication to preserving vital environmental data despite the loss of key individual contributors.
The Guardian