Japan wants to plant no-pollen trees to solve its hay fever crisis
Two species of trees helped Japan build millions of homes after World War II. However, pollen from those same trees has also fueled a nationwide hay fever allergy. More than 40% of Japan’s population now suffers from hay fever, locally called kafunsho. That’s nearly double the rate in the U.S., reports contributor Jonathan Vit for […]
Japan aims to tackle its hay fever crisis by planting no-pollen trees, according to a report by Mongabay. The issue stems from two tree species, sugi (Cryptomeria japonica) and hinoki (Chamaecyparis obtusa), which were extensively used for timber after World War II to address the country's housing shortage. These trees now account for two-thirds of the nation's cultivated forests.
Over 40% of Japan's population suffers from hay fever, a rate nearly double that of the United States. The allergy season peaks in March, with symptoms including itchy noses, runny noses, sore throats, and itchy eyes. Climate change has exacerbated the problem by causing sugi trees to release pollen earlier and lengthening the annual pollen season.
In response to this crisis, the Japanese government announced in 2023 a plan to cut down 20% of the sugi trees.
Written by urgent.news from Mongabay's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
