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Japan Gifts US 250 Cherry Trees for 250th Birthday
24 Jan
Summary
- Japan is gifting the United States an additional 250 cherry blossom trees.
- This gift celebrates America's upcoming 250th anniversary in 2026.
- Japanese fireworks will be displayed in Washington, D.C. on July 4.
Japan will gift an additional 250 cherry blossom trees to the United States, marking a significant contribution to America's upcoming 250th anniversary. This diplomatic gesture was announced by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who also confirmed that Japanese fireworks will illuminate Washington, D.C. on July 4th.
This tradition of friendship began over a century ago when Japan first donated 2,000 cherry trees during the Taft administration. The idea was championed by former First Lady Helen Herron Taft, who had a fondness for the trees from her time in Japan. Despite an initial shipment in 1910 being infested with insects, a second delivery of over 3,000 trees successfully established the iconic blossoms.
These trees were officially planted in 1912, an event that inspired the annual National Cherry Blossom Festival. The festival, which typically runs from March 20 to April 12, celebrates the cultural exchange and natural beauty shared between the two nations. Japan has continued to gift trees periodically, including a significant donation to Lady Bird Johnson.
