SAKURA CHERRY TREE PROJECT
The only thing we know is that we want the friendship between the UK and Japan to continue strong into the future.
Locations
As of February 2024, over 7,500 Sakura trees have been planted in over 900 locations across the UK. Check the map to see where you can find our trees.
Project Team
[Joint Chairmen]
Takashi Tsukamoto/Chairman of the Japan-British Society
Keisaku Sandy Sano/Chairman of the Japan Association in the UK
News / Events
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.
Hajime Hayashi
Japanese Ambassador to the UK
The Sakura Cherry Tree Project came to start thanks to the many private individuals and groups, whose passions and untiring efforts have underpinned the Japan-UK relationship. It reflects the love and respect for nature that is a feature of both cultures as well as the long-established friendship between our two countries.
The Project, which was conceived as a grassroots initiative, has expanded sufficiently to provide more than 7000 young sakura trees all over the UK. These trees, whose flowers come into glorious bloom in the spring, will surely win a place in people’s hearts as symbols of the strong bonds that unite our two peoples and countries. I would like to express my sincere appreciation to those who have contributed to our cordial relations and to voice my hope that these sakura trees will be embraced by their local communities and will boost yet further the unshakable ties forged by Japan and the United Kingdom.
