As Japan enters hay fever season, pollen levels may surge due to ‘horribly high’ summer

South China Morning PostEN 1 min read 100% complete by Julian RyallFebruary 6, 2026 at 04:00 AM

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Japan is bracing for a severe hay fever season, with pollen levels expected to be significantly higher than average. Weathernews predicts a 28% increase nationwide, with Akita prefecture potentially seeing six times more pollen than last year. The elevated pollen counts are attributed to last summer's extreme heat, which fostered increased growth of pollen-producing male flowers on cedar and cypress trees. Hay fever season typically begins in early February in Tokyo and eastern Japan, spreading to southern regions later. Currently, a significant portion of the Japanese population is already experiencing hay fever symptoms, according to Weathernews data. Medical experts warn sufferers to prepare for a challenging season.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Jingumae Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic 40% Akita prefecture 50% Weathernews 60% Yoshihiro Koseki 60% Tokyo ×270% Japan ×390%

Keywords

hay fever 100% pollen levels 90% japan 80% allergy season 70% extreme heat 60% cypress 50% cedar 50% symptoms 40%

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Negative

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South China Morning Post

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90%

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Japan

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hay fever pollen levels japan allergy season extreme heat cypress cedar symptoms

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