In Yamagata Prefecture, Japan's premier cherry-producing region, recent heatwaves have adversely affected cherry harvests. Municipalities within the prefecture face challenges in fulfilling commitments for a tax incentive program requiring the provision of cherry gift boxes. Yamagata, responsible for around 80 percent of Japan's cherry production, anticipates a significant reduction in this year's yield due to consecutive seasons of extreme heat, which have compromised the quality of cherries, rendering them unsuitable for distribution.
As of June 26, approximately 76,000 cherry gift boxes, nearly 20 percent of the total planned, have been impacted. The adverse conditions have forced some municipalities to delay shipments or alter the variety or size of cherries provided. This situation underscores the vulnerability of agricultural outputs to climatic fluctuations.
Source: www3.nhk.or.jp