Japan donates 250 cherry saplings to US　

People from Japan and the United States planted cherry tree saplings gifted by Japan at a ceremony in Washington on Friday.

Japan donated 250 cherry tree saplings to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the US. Three of the saplings were planted in a park along the Potomac River, an area well-known for its thousands of cherry trees that bloom in the spring.

In 1912, Japan presented about 3,000 cherry trees to Washington as a symbol of friendship between the two countries. Around 100 people, including officials from the Japanese Embassy and the US government, took part in Friday’s ceremony. Japanese Ambassador Yamada Shigeo said he hopes the 250 trees, along with the others in the park, will unite the people of both countries for many years to come.