What is the Sakura Cherry Tree Project?
Sakura Cherry Tree Project in the UK marks 150 years of Japan-UK friendship and the continued cooperation between our two nations. It was launched in the joint communique issued by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and the then Prime Minister Theresa May when the two met in Japan in Autumn 2017. Because cherry blossom (sakura) is the national flower of Japan, over six thousand cherry trees will be planted throughout the UK starting in 2020 and into 2021.
This project is a part of the Japan-UK Seasons of Culture which will take place in both countries during 2019 and 2020. It is represented in Japan by the Japan-British Society, whose main role is to raise funds for the project, and in the UK by a special committee convened by the Japan Matsuri Company (an organisation jointly managed by the Japanese Association, the Japanese Chamber Of Commerce and Industry in the UK, the Japan Society, and the Nippon Club), whose role is to manage the entire operation in the UK.