TREE-RING analysis shows a relationship between annual ring growth and climatic changes in the United States1–3 and in the Scandinavian countries4. We have measured annual growth in terms of elongation of the terminal shoot of dwarf pine, Pinus pumila (Pallas) Regel, which is common in the alpine zone of Japan and eastern Siberia. This tree was used as the indications of annual growth are clearer than in other plants. The ages of branches used for measurement are 50–200 yr, although dating at >100yr is difficult. We discuss here the relationship between the fluctuation in annual elongation of dwarf pine and climatic changes in Japan or in higher latitude of Northern Hemisphere.