Japan plans to gift 250 cherry trees to US for 250th Anniversary

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced that Japan will donate 250 cherry trees to Washington, D.C. to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States' founding. This gift continues a longstanding tradition dating back to 1912 when Japan first donated thousands of cherry trees to the U.S. capital, celebrated annually during the Cherry Blossom Festival. Along with the trees, Japan plans to provide fireworks from Akita Prefecture to be displayed in Washington on July 4, enhancing the anniversary celebrations. The announcement was made during Takaichi's meeting with President Donald Trump in Tokyo, where they also discussed strengthening U.S.-Japan relations. The gesture symbolizes the deepening ties between the two nations and highlights shared cultural interests, such as baseball, which the leaders enjoyed together at a recent World Series game. This initiative is part of a broader America250 celebration marking the country's founding, with Trump emphasizing his active role in the festivities.