It’s official. The spring cherry blossom season is underway in Japan.

Weather officials announced the first bloom of the season in southwestern Kochi prefecture today (Tuesday).

Japanese people traditionally celebrate spring with rowdy cherry blossom viewing parties.

This year’s announcement came four days earlier than an average year. Cherry blossoms at Kochi castle will reach full bloom in about a week.

Spring also blew into Japan in the form of the first spring storm to hit Tokyo.

Strong south winds buffeted the capital and temperatures rose to 19.7℃, the highest this year.