TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Cherry blossom lovers in Japan can now help protect the iconic trees by taking photos with smartphone cameras and tasking artificial intelligence with assessing their health.

The service called "Sakura AI Camera," launched by Kirin Brewery Co., determines the age and vitality of cherry trees via users' smartphone cameras. Local governments can check the data and use it in their efforts to preserve the trees.

The introduction of the service came ahead of the 2025 cherry blossom season in Japan, where many people will picnic under the blooms with their preferred drink in hand. The beer company said it hopes the service will contribute to the tradition continuing for years to come.

In the service, accessible for free via a web browser, users are directed how to take the photos. The technology then determines the age and health of the tree, rating it across five levels based on its shape and trunk thickness.

The uploaded images will help local government officials decide which trees require maintenance, including pest control and trimming, with many cherry trees nearing the end of their expected lifespan after being planted in the postwar reconstruction period, the company said.

"People can easily participate in conservation activities," a Kirin official said. "We want people to use this as an opportunity to learn about the current situation around cherry blossoms."

The service was developed after the company learned many local governments are unable to collect required data for cherry blossom preservation due to labor and budget shortages, Kirin said.