Japan’s iconic cherry trees, known as “sakura,” are a beloved symbol of spring, drawing locals and tourists alike to witness their spectacular bloom. However, these enchanting trees, often adorned with delicate pink and white flowers, are aging, and many are nearing the end of their natural lifespan.

The much-anticipated “sakura” season marks the arrival of spring, enveloping parks and riverbanks with stunning blossoms. Yet, as the trees reach ages between 70 to 80 years, their blooming potential decreases, leading to greater costs for maintenance and care of these cherished flowering spots.

AI Tool for Tree Assessment

To aid in the identification of deteriorating cherry trees, Kirin, a prominent brewing company, has introduced an innovative solution: the Sakura AI Camera. This tool leverages artificial intelligence to evaluate the health and condition of cherry trees based on user-submitted photos.

Users take photos using their smartphones and upload them to the Sakura AI Camera website, where the AI analyzes the images. The assessment is presented on a five-point scale, ranging from “very healthy” to “worrying.” For instance, a tree exhibiting vibrant flowers that bloom densely to the tips of its branches receives the highest rating.

Training the AI with Expert Guidance

The artificial intelligence system has been developed with the assistance of experts and trained on 5,000 images of cherry trees. The resulting database provides detailed information regarding the trees’ conditions and locations, which is freely accessible to local authorities for conservation planning.

Risa Shioda from Kirin noted, “We heard that the preservation of sakura requires manpower and money and that it’s difficult to gather information. I think we can contribute by making it easier to plan for conservation,” as she spoke about the tool’s potential for aiding environmental efforts.

Collection of Data and Future Insights

Since its launch last month, the Sakura AI Camera has amassed around 20,000 photos, substantially contributing to a growing repository of cherry tree data. This information will enable local governments to make informed decisions regarding the management and preservation of cherry blossom areas.

According to Tokyo’s Meguro Ward, a renowned location for cherry tree viewings, replanting a single tree can cost approximately one million yen (around $6,800). This financial burden emphasizes the need for effective conservation measures.

Expert Insights on Environmental Factors

Hiroyuki Wada of the Japan Tree Doctors Association, who supervises cherry tree inspections in Tokyo, expressed hope that the AI tool would assist experts in studying the environmental factors leading to the decline of some trees. Climate change is a significant concern, with Wada noting the visible impacts on tree health.

“Changes in the environment are usually gradual, but now it’s visible,” Wada remarked, highlighting issues stemming from increasing temperatures and inconsistent rainfall. He added that the trees’ aging contributes to the difficult circumstances they face.

The Cultural Significance of Cherry Blossoms

Japan experienced its hottest year on record in 2022, as reported by the meteorological agency, reflecting a global trend of rising temperatures. In light of these challenges, Kirin has begun donating portions of its profits towards the preservation of cherry trees, honoring the communities that cherish them.

Shioda mentioned that alcohol, particularly beer, is a popular beverage at “hanami” (flower-viewing) parties held under the cherry trees, adding to the cultural significance of these seasonal gatherings.

Cherry blossoms symbolize the fleeting nature of life in Japanese culture, as their full blossoms only last about a week before the petals begin to fall. This week-long spectacle marks a time of change, coinciding with the start of the new business year; many university graduates embark on their first full-time jobs, and older colleagues transition to new roles.