The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) announced this year’s pollen forecast for Japanese cedar (sugi) and Japanese cypress (hinoki) – and it isn’t bad news for hayfever sufferers! 2014 is expected to be an average pollen season in Kyushu – and 20% less severe than that of 2013. According to the JMA, pollen dispersal will start around early~mid February, however unforecasted warm days could bring this forward. The 2014 pollen season forecast is as follows: Fukuoka 80~115% (average), Saga 65~105% (slightly below average), Nagasaki 90~135% (slightly higher than average), Oita 90~149% (average), Kumamoto 95~145% (average), Kagoshima 105~150% (slightly higher than average). Source: Nishinippon Shimbun 1/16
