Japan’s cherished cherry blossoms, or “sakura,” are facing challenges as many trees age beyond their prime blooming years. To address this, Kirin Brewery has developed the Sakura AI Camera, an innovative tool designed to assist in the conservation of these iconic trees.
How Does the Sakura AI Camera Work?
Users can capture photos of cherry trees using their smartphones and upload them to a dedicated website. The AI then evaluates the images, assessing the condition and estimating the age of the trees. The tool employs a five-point scale, ranging from “very healthy” to “worrying,” to indicate the tree’s health. Trees with dense blossoms extending to the branch tips receive the highest ratings.
Development and Data Collection
The AI was trained using a dataset of 5,000 cherry tree images, curated with the assistance of experts. Since its launch, approximately 20,000 photos have been collected, providing valuable data for local authorities to plan conservation efforts effectively.
Addressing Conservation Challenges
Maintaining aging cherry trees is both labor-intensive and costly. For instance, replanting a single tree in Tokyo’s Meguro Ward can cost around one million yen (approximately $6,800). By facilitating early detection of tree health issues, the Sakura AI Camera aims to streamline conservation planning and resource allocation.
Expert Insights
Hiroyuki Wada of the Japan Tree Doctors Association, who contributed to the tool’s development, emphasized the potential of the AI in studying environmental factors affecting tree degradation, including the impacts of climate change.
Through the integration of technology and community participation, the Sakura AI Camera offers a promising approach to preserving Japan’s beloved cherry blossoms for future generations.
