This week we will be receiving our tree from the Sakura Cherry Tree Project. The tree being planted at Hazel End is one of the 6,500 Japanese cherry trees – or Sakura in Japanese – given to the UK by Japan, and planted across the country in parks, gardens, and schools to celebrate Japan’s relationship with the UK.

The project will be a legacy from the Japan-UK Season of Culture 2019-2020, which aimed to showcase Japan’s multifaceted attractions in the UK. The Season provided the opportunity to learn more about Japan, its culture and people through hundreds of events ranging from arts, sports, cuisine, and performance.  From 2020 onwards, members of the public will start to witness the 1000s of cherry trees blossom.

The Sakura Cherry Trees are being distributed to over 400 schools and 160 sites in all four countries of the UK from St Ives to Aberdeen to Londonderry, Cardiff, and several of London’s biggest parks. The project was formally launched with a planting ceremony at The Regent’s Park attended by HRH The Duke of Gloucester, the Japanese Ambassador Yasumasa Nagamine, Joint Chairman of the Sakura Cherry Tree Project Keisaku Sandy Sano and local schoolchildren.

The planting of the trees began in autumn 2020, following the planting of 125 trees in The Royal Parks in autumn 2019.  Frank P Matthews nursery in Tenbury Wells in Worcestershire is the main supplier of the trees. The renowned Japanese artist, Kenya Hara has provided the design of the commemorative plaques.  This permanent and lasting symbol of the enduring friendship between the UK and Japan is entirely funded by Japanese businesses and individuals and managed by the Sakura Cherry Tree Project team.

Yasumasa Nagamine, Japanese Ambassador to the UK said, “We hope that people all over Britain will join with us in embracing this chance to deepen mutual understanding, thus helping to create an enduring legacy. Just like our relationship, these trees will grow stronger as they mature and, each year when they blossom, I hope they bring joy to people across the UK and remind them of the deep friendship between our two nations. “