Japan has announced that it will be donating 250 new cherry trees to the United States to replace the ones being removed this summer during the repair of the seawall around Washington D.C.'s Tidal Basin. The announcement was made by Japanese Prime Minister during his official visit to the White House, where President Joe Biden welcomed him.
The gift is intended to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. in 2026, symbolizing the enduring friendship between the two nations. The tradition of cherry tree gifting dates back to 1912 when Japan gifted 3,000 cherry trees to the U.S., with two of them being planted by the first lady and the Japanese ambassador's wife.
