The news was broadcast on every TV network and headlined in the major newspapers. It set off a flurry of phone calls to weather officials. The big story: Japan may be on its way to one of its earliest cherry blossom seasons ever.
Cherry blossom viewing is a much-anticipated annual event that sends millions of Japanese revelers outdoors for several days of sake-sodden picnics. And this year, weather forecasters say, the parties may start a week or so early.
Cherry blossom spotters at the Meteorological Agency predict Tokyo's "sakura" blossom season will begin eight days ahead of the average year, and one week earlier than last year, agency official Hideo Morizane said.