SAKURA CHERRY TREE PROJECT

Julia Longbottom CMG
British Ambassador to Japan

Cherry blossom, or sakura, is known as a symbol of Japan by people across the United Kingdom. In Japanese culture, cherry blossom often represents fragility and fleeting beauty, as it blossoms for a short period each spring.

This project, on the other hand, has planted a legacy of cherry trees across the UK that will ensure future generations are reminded of the deep-rooted friendship between the UK and Japan. I warmly congratulate all those, supported by the Japanese business community in the UK, who have made this project possible.

We are fortunate that the British Embassy in Tokyo and its neighbourhood is a popular destination for viewing the beautiful cherry blossom in spring. The first cherry trees were planted in front of the Embassy in 1898 by Sir Earnest Satow, British Minister to Japan, who gave them as a sign of his love for Japan and as a gift to the people of Tokyo. I am delighted that the Sakura Cherry Tree Project in the UK builds on this tradition, and demonstrates the continuing strength of our friendship.

Hiroshi Suzkuki
Japanese Ambassador to the UK

The Sakura Cherry Tree Project was conceived as a symbol of the never-changing friendship between Japan and the UK in the aftermath of the Brexit vote in 2016. It was proposed by Mr Keisaku Sandy Sano, then-Chairman of the Japan Association in the UK, and launched together with Mr Takashi Tsukamoto, then-Chairman of the Japan-British Society and myself, then-Prime Minister Abe’s Private Secretary for Foreign Affairs..

This Project was mentioned in the Japan-UK Declaration on Prosperity Cooperation, issued during then-Prime Minister Theresa May’s visit to Japan in August 2017, as well as in the UK-Japan Joint Statement, issued during then-Prime Minister Abe’s visit to the UK in January 2019. The Project originally targeted planting 1,000 Sakura cherry trees, and since then has made steady progress, with around 8,000 Sakura cherry trees already planted all over the UK. These trees are now blooming in numerous locations across the country. I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to all the people who have pursued it with great passion and endeavours.

I trust that these trees which have been planted as a symbol of the bonds of friendship between our two countries will be loved and well taken care of by the British people, and that such bonds will continue to spread further. 

Mr Sano, Mr Tsukamoto and I agreed on a renewed goal of planting 10,000 trees. I will do my best to advance this project, envisioning a future where both Japanese and British people across the UK can enjoy ‘o-hanami’ together, the traditional springtime event when people gather and rejoice under the cherry blossoms.