Spring pollen forecast for Japan in 2027: Increase in western Japan and decrease in eastern Japan

The Japan Meteorological Corporation announced the forecast for spring pollen scattering in 2027 on October 1, showing a trend of "less in the east and more in the west." The amount of pollen in the Hokkaido to Kinki region will decrease compared to 2026, while it will increase in Kyushu, Chugoku, and Shikoku regions.

The Japan Meteorological Corporation points out that the key to pollen levels lies in the sunshine and temperature in the previous summer. Sufficient sunshine and higher temperatures will promote the growth of male flowers that are the source of next year's pollen. This summer, the sunshine duration in East Japan is lower than average, and the temperature is lower than in previous years. On the other hand, West Japan has more sunny days and higher temperatures. In addition, pollen has the characteristic of alternating between more and less pollen in one year. This year, there are more pollen in North Japan, East Japan, and Kinki, and less in West Japan. The reverse will happen next year.

It is estimated that next spring, the pollen count in the Kanto region will be only 50% of this year's, and the Tohoku region will only have about 30%, a significant decrease; however, Kyushu and other places will reach more than 1.5 times, becoming the hardest-hit areas.

If you look at the prefectures, the gap is even more obvious. Next spring, Aomori Prefecture will only have 0.16 times this year's, Tokyo 0.34 times, and Kyoto 0.43 times. In contrast, Miyazaki Prefecture will soar to 2.05 times, Oita 1.87 times, and Yamaguchi 1.82 times. People in East Japan can breathe a little easier, but people in West Japan still need to prepare anti-allergy measures in advance.