Japan Gifts 250 Cherry Blossom Trees for Tidal Basin Planting
TL/DR –
Japan is sending 250 additional cherry trees to the United States to mark the country’s 250th anniversary in two years. This announcement comes a month after the National Park Service revealed plans to remove 300 trees, including 158 cherry ones, due to a project aimed at repairing crumbling sea walls. Three of the gifted trees have already been planted on the White House lawn, and the rest will largely be situated at the Tidal Basin near the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial.
Japan Gifts 250 Cherry Trees to the U.S., Commemorating 250th Anniversary
The 3,000 cherry trees Japan originally gifted to the United States over a hundred years ago are an iconic sign of spring in the U.S. capital. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has announced that Japan will now be adding 250 more cherry trees to Washington, as a tribute to the U.S.’s upcoming 250th anniversary.
These trees will find their new home at the Tidal Basin near the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial. President Biden applauded the gift, characterizing the trees as timeless and inspiring, much like the U.S.-Japan relationship.
The gift coincides with the National Park Service’s announcement that 300 trees, including 158 cherry trees, are to be removed from the Tidal Basin and West Potomac Park. This removal is part of an ongoing project to repair deteriorating sea walls.
Restoration of the sea wall will involve fencing and construction equipment around some cherry trees for about three years. This is one of several rehabilitation projects in progress on the National Mall in preparation for the 250th anniversary, according to Park Service officials.
Upon learning of the tree replacement, Kishida decided to gift 250 new trees, three of which have already been planted on the White House lawn. Prime Minister Kishida was in attendance at a state dinner at the White House, the first held for a Japanese prime minister in nine years, where discussions about future military and defense coordination were expected to take place.
Prime Minister Kishida recognized the longevity of the D.C. cherry trees, some of which are over 112 years old, living significantly longer than the 60-year lifespan typical of cherry trees. He attributed this impressive longevity to “the cherry tree guardians” who have kept the plants flourishing.
Kishida stated, “Just as the local residents have cherished and protected these cherry trees, the Japan-U.S. relationship has been supported and nurtured by the many people who love each other’s country.”
—
Read More US News