USA and Japan: a renewed bond through the beauty of the cherry trees

15 Apr 2024
857

During Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's official visit to the White House, a significant gesture of friendship between Japan and the United States was announced. Japan will donate 250 new cherry trees to the United States to replace those that will be uprooted during the repair work on the boundary wall around Washington's Tidal Basin, scheduled for this summer.

This symbolic gesture was formulated to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026, underlining the importance of the friendship and alliance between the two countries.

The Tidal Basin is home to one of the highest concentrations of cherry blossom trees, which attract more than a million visitors to Washington each spring. These trees have become an icon of the US capital and a symbol of friendship between Japan and the US after Japan donated 3,000 cherry trees in 1912. The planting ceremony of the first two trees, performed by first lady Helen Herron Taft and Viscountess Chinda, wife of the Japanese ambassador, marked the beginning of this long and significant tradition.

During Kishida's visit to the White House, President Joe Biden emphasised the importance of this gesture, likening the friendship between the US and Japan to the timeless and ever-growing cherry trees themselves. The event also underlines the geopolitical alliance between Biden and Kishida, who discussed security issues in the Pacific during the State Dinner.

This gift of the new cherry trees underlines the two nations' desire to strengthen and celebrate their enduring bond. Japan's decision to donate the trees at a time when some existing trees must be removed for construction work is a gesture of generosity and friendship that will continue to inspire and flourish over time, reflecting the beauty and depth of the relationship between the two countries.

Read the full article: WAFB9
Image: The Peninsula Qatar


Cherry Times - All rights reserved

What to read next

The differences between modern 2D and 3D cherry training systems

Planting systems

19 May 2023

In this video, Prof. Lang illustrates the differences between modern 2D and 3D cherry training systems, highlighting the importance of the correct choice of variety and rootstock depending on the training form adopted.

Sweet cherry in Apulia region: challenges and opportunities for future cultivation

Production

12 Aug 2024

There has been a drastic drop in production: hectares abandoned or replaced with other crops due to lack of profitability. Added to this are difficulties in protecting crops from new pests and the increasingly acute shortage of labour.

In evidenza

Cherry humidification in Chile: reduced dehydration and better fruit condition

Post-harvest​

03 Jun 2025

A Chilean study proves that humidification systems in field collection centers lower dehydration in cherries, preserving weight, appearance, and pedicel freshness even after 30 days in cold storage. A concrete quality boost and long-term strategic edge for exporters.

Huge success for the 1st MUNDOAGRO Cherry Congress: over 800 attendees

Events

03 Jun 2025

The 1st MUNDOAGRO Special Cherry Congress brought together over 800 agricultural professionals in Chile, featuring international masterclasses, technical forums, and expert discussions on key topics like fruit quality, nutrition, and innovation in cherry cultivation.

Tag Popolari