"Runny Noses, Watery Eyes... I Can't Work" This Illness Causes 2 Trillion Won in Daily Losses [Sunday Nippon Culture]

Allergic Rhinitis and Conjunctivitis: A "National Disease" Affecting Over Half of Japan
Cedar Trees Planted for Postwar Recovery Are the Main Cause
From Dedicated Store Sections to Corporate Allergy Benefits
Warnings That Global Warming Wil

After arriving in Tokyo, I wandered around the city. However, starting that evening when I returned home, I began to cough and sneeze. This is due to pollen allergy, which is called "Kahunsyo" (花粉症) in Japan. It's a frightening illness—reportedly, even Koreans with no prior allergies develop symptoms after living in Japan for a few years. For me as well, it's become difficult to go out without a mask these days, and I take allergy medication every evening as part of my daily routine.

Tokyo, a city where spring arrives before Seoul and renowned for its cherry blossoms, presents a different reality. It's hard to find anyone not wearing a mask during the commute. On the subway, both the man sitting next to me and the person on the other side are sneezing, and the sound of people sniffling is a regular part of daily life.

Pollen emitted from cedar trees. Greenpeace.

Drugstores have even set up dedicated sections for pollen allergy products. There is a wide variety, from soft tissues for frequent nose blowing and spray-type medicines that are sprayed inside the nose, to "shield sprays" intended to prevent pollen from sticking to the skin. This year, there are predictions that even more pollen will be in the air compared to last year, causing nervousness throughout Japan.

In Japan, nearly half the population suffers from this pollen allergy, which has earned it the nickname "national disease." It has become such a significant social issue that analysts estimate the economic loss reaches nearly 2 trillion yen per day. Today, I will share the story of "Kahunsyo," the challenge plaguing Japan's spring.

The Cause: Cedar Trees Planted After the War—But It's Not So Simple to Cut Them Down

Kahunsyo presents symptoms similar to the pollen allergy we know. It typically involves allergic conjunctivitis and rhinitis, with a runny nose, sneezing, and nasal congestion as the three main symptoms. Itchy eyes and difficulty breathing also lead to reduced concentration and poor sleep.

The Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has identified the 'cedar tree' as the cause of Kahunsyo. Cedar pollen is released from February to May in such massive quantities that it has triggered allergic reactions throughout the country.

It wasn't always the case that Japan had so many cedar trees. After World War II, in an effort to restore the devastated land, people planted cedar trees—fast-growing and suitable for construction materials—in great numbers. In other words, this pollen comes from artificial forests created by humans. As a result of Japan's postwar cedar planting efforts, about 40% of the nation's land is now covered by cedar forests.

The 'Kahunsyo Specialty Corner' at Bic Camera Yurakucho store in Japan. Sprays for pollen, masks, tissues, fabric softeners, and detergents are displayed. Photo by Jin Young Jeon.

However, as this has significantly impacted daily life, the Japanese government has announced plans to reduce the area of artificial cedar forests by 20% from current levels by 2033. Since the cedar trees are densely packed in the mountains, it is not possible to simply cut them all down due to concerns about landslides and other issues. Instead, the government is gradually removing cedars and replanting the areas with seedlings that produce less pollen.

The government also believes that increasing demand for cedar would help reduce the area of artificial cedar forests more quickly. That is why it is pursuing the "Wood Change" policy, which encourages the use of cedar wood in low-rise buildings that are not intended for residential purposes.

Of course, cedar is not the only problem. In addition, there is pollen from Japanese cypress (hinoki) between April and June, birch trees that thrive in Hokkaido, as well as grasses and members of the aster family, all of which contribute to the pollen issue.

Companies Facing 'Economic Loss'...Kahunsyo Allowances and Leave Become New Employee Benefits

Recently, Kahunsyo has become an issue even in the workplace, affecting corporate productivity. Among Japanese companies, there is a growing recognition that countermeasures for pollen allergies should be part of employee welfare. According to market research firm Tokyo Shoko Research, 30% of office workers reported that their work is negatively affected during severe pollen seasons. As a result, the economic loss from reduced labor productivity is estimated to reach 232 billion yen (about 2.168 trillion won) per day this year.

Some companies have introduced pollen allergy allowances. There are also companies that subsidize medical treatment costs and distribute boxes of tissues and masks to employees for free.

Weekly Pollen Forecast Provided by the Korea Meteorological Administration. Japan Meteorological Agency.

Some companies have even introduced springtime leave to allow employees to escape the pollen, much like summer vacations. These are called "Hibun-chi," meaning places to avoid pollen, similar to summer resorts. Since 2022, IT company Isaac has supported "workations" for employees in places like Okinawa during the high pollen season from February to April, covering accommodation and workspace expenses. The response was so positive that, starting last year, the company expanded the program to include childcare costs for those raising children while staying at these locations.

Logistics companies are also providing support for drivers by covering the cost of allergy medications with fewer drowsiness side effects, nasal sprays, and eye drops. The reasoning is that lack of sleep could easily lead to accidents, especially during late-night driving.

Experts predict that Kahunsyo will likely become even more severe in the future. The main reason is global warming. Warmer weather promotes plant growth, leading to more pollen. Greenpeace pointed out that "climate change is extending the pollen season," and the University of Michigan in the United States warned that, if the response to the climate crisis remains insufficient and the average temperature rises by 4–6 degrees Celsius, the amount of airborne pollen could nearly double compared to current levels.

Now, allergy countermeasures are being discussed as part of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) management strategies. Reflecting on the causes and countermeasures of Kahunsyo, it becomes clear that the consequences of human choices are coming back to affect us. Sneezing in spring is not just a quirk of nature or an unwelcome visitor for a single season. From war and industrialization to climate change... it turns out that people themselves have been changing spring.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.