Home / Environment / Tokyo Pollen Soars: Spring Allergies Worse Than Ever
Tokyo Pollen Soars: Spring Allergies Worse Than Ever
5 Jun
Summary
- Tokyo's spring pollen count was 1.8 times higher than last year.
- Average pollen count reached 8,451 grains per sq cm, exceeding the 10-year average.
- Pollen season is shifting, with grasses and ragweed to follow.
This spring, Tokyo witnessed a dramatic surge in airborne cedar and cypress pollen, measuring approximately 1.8 times more than the previous year. Data from the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Public Health revealed an average of 8,451 grains per square centimeter at 12 observation sites. This figure also exceeded the 10-year average by about 1.5 times.
Several locations within Tokyo reported high pollen concentrations. Ome city recorded the highest count at 22,937 grains, followed by Tachikawa, Tama, and Machida. Even within Tokyo's wards, Suginami registered a significant level of 6,765 grains.
By mid-April, cedar and cypress pollen levels began to decrease. Dispersal of cedar pollen concluded across all sites by May 13. The public is now advised to anticipate upcoming pollen seasons, including grasses like orchard grass, followed by ragweed and other plants in late summer.
