Mongabay · Climate & nature

Japan Tackles Hay Fever Crisis with No-Pollen Trees

Japan is implementing a plan to reduce hay fever, or kafunsho, which affects over 40% of its population, by addressing the widespread sugi and hinoki trees planted after World War II.

These fast-growing trees were crucial for rebuilding Japan but are now the primary cause of widespread allergies. Forests cover 70% of Japan, with 41% being planted, and sugi and hinoki trees constitute a significant portion of these cultivated forests.

Climate change has exacerbated the issue, with warming temperatures causing sugi trees to release pollen earlier, extending and intensifying the allergy season.

The Japanese government's 2023 plan aims to cut down 20% of sugi trees by 2033, replacing them with local species or new, low-pollen sugi strains developed by researchers.

Over 30 no-pollen sugi strains have been created, with some prefectures already planting these saplings.

However, challenges remain, including labor shortages in the forestry industry, which hinder the large-scale planting of new strains.

Additionally, a decline in Japan's home construction industry has created a need for new markets for the timber from the felled sugi trees.

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