As thousands visit and enjoy the District’s Cherry Blossom Festival, it is also marking the 110th anniversary of Japan鈥檚 gift to the United States that started the tradition.
The famed cherry blossom trees were a gift from the mayor of Tokyo in 1912. Back then, Japan called them a 鈥渕emorial of friendship鈥� between the two countries.
Now, more than 110 years later, Japan鈥檚 Embassy Spokesman Ryo Kuroishi says the friendship between the two countries remains strong.
鈥淚鈥檓 sure it will last another 110 years.鈥� Kuroishi said. 鈥淲e are excited to celebrate the anniversary.鈥�
The annual Cherry blossoms, or sakura as they鈥檙e called in Japan, kick off many celebrations in that country, as well.
The Japanese mark the arrival of spring and the blossoms with special gatherings called hanami near the cherry trees. The tradition is at least one thousand years old.
鈥淲e can see cherry blossom trees in many places all around the world. But, that of D.C. is quite unique. It is very similar to that of Japan,鈥� Kuroishi said. 鈥淗ere in D.C., people are enjoying cherry blossom trees like we do in Japan.鈥�
In 1912, Japan gave more than 3,000 Yoshino cherry trees to the U.S., which have a life span of between 50 and 60 years. But, with the expert help arborists over the years, the District鈥檚 renowned trees have doubled that life expectancy.
鈥淚 want to thank the people of the U.S. who have taken care of these cherry trees so carefully,鈥� Kuroishi said. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 why they鈥檝e lasted for 110 years.鈥�
For the last two years, D.C.鈥檚 official Cherry Blossom Festival was forced to go online due to the coronavirus pandemic. This year, the popular outdoor festival was reopened to the public.
