The Japanese cedar (sugi, 杉) is a magnificent tree. Due to the qualities of its wood - fragrant, reddish, lightweight but strong, waterproof, and decay-resistant - it has long been cultivated and is a symbol of several Japanese cultural traditions. In particular, WWII deforestation was rectified by the planting of immense sugi plantations, stabilizing mountainsides and whose wood was eventually turned into the majority of Japan’s housing.
A problem with the sugi is that, like all conifers, it depends on wind for pollination, an ancient trait trees relied on before they figured out the more efficient symbiosis of flowers and insects. So sugi must produce as much pollen as possible, and this depends on the weather. Kumanichi reports that sugi thrived on the heat last summer; consequently, this year will be terrifying for those who suffer from pollen allergies. The left axis shows pollen concentration in particles per square centimeter and the right average temperatures 2014-18. Webmd offers tips on how to mitigate allergic symptoms here: https://www.webmd.com/allergies/features/pollen-survival-guide#1 Good luck, and stay healthy! - William
