Branches Cut Off of 200-Year-Old Cherry Tree in Hita, Oita Pref.

The Yomiuri Shimbun

20:47 JST, March 26, 2026

More than 10 branches were cut off of a 200-year-old Shidarezakura weeping willow cherry tree in Hita City, Oita Prefecture.

An official of the company that manages the tree discovered Monday evening that the ends of some of its branches had been removed. Traces of cuts apparently from last year or earlier were also found.

The company took emergency measures to prevent infection, including applying an anti-bacterial agent.

The tree is known as the “Ohara Great Shidarezakura.” Protected by the city government as a registered preserved tree, it is 12 meters high and its trunk has a circumference of about 2.5 meters.

Cherry trees are easily infected with bacteria if they are cut inappropriately, and this can prevent some parts of the tree from blossoming in the next year or beyond.

“This is truly regrettable. I want everyone to enjoy beautiful cherry blossoms with respect for nature,” the official said.