Consulate-General of Japan in Houston

March 30, 2012

2012 Japan-U.S. Cherry Blossom Centennial Nationwide Cherry Blossom Tree Planting Initiative     

 The cherry blossom has long been a symbol of the special friendship between the United States and Japan. 2012 marks the 100th anniversary of the gift of cherry blossom trees from the people of Japan to the people of the United States. The first gift of cherry blossom trees were planted in Washington D.C. in 1912. 
To mark the Cherry Blossom Centennial, the Japanese Embassy and Japanese Consulates across the country have taken the initiative to promote the planting of cherry blossom trees in a number of cities across the U.S. The saplings to be planted have been provided by American Forests, a nonprofit conservation organization, with additional funding and support from the private sector. In planting trees on the centennial, the U.S. and Japan reaffirm their commitment to deepening the friendship and ties between our two countries.

The Consulate-General of Japan in Houston will publicly announce the planting of cherry blossom trees in the state of Texas to the Honorable Mayor Pro Tempore of Houston Edward Gonzales at the Japan Festival. Houston’s Japanese Garden in Hermann Park and Fort Worth’s Botanical Garden are the two locations where trees will be planted in Texas. On March 31 at the Opening Ceremony of the Japan Festival in Hermann Park, the Honorable Mayor Pro Tempore Gonzales will officially receive the wonderful news on behalf of the Honorable Mayor Annise Parker, who will be out of the country on business. 

For this reason, 2012 marks a very special year for Houston’s Japan Festival, which will be held on March 31 and April 1 in Hermann Park, with the Opening Ceremony beginning at 11 a.m. on March 31. The festival is sponsored by the Japan-America Society of Houston with additional support from the Consulate-General of Japan in Houston, the Japan Business Association of Houston, the Japanese Association of Greater Houston, the Japanese American Citizens League Houston Chapter, the Houston Parks and Recreation Department, and the Hermann Park Conservancy.

For more information on Japan Festival 2012: http://japan-fest.info/

For more information on the Japan-U.S. Cherry Blossom Centennial and the application for use of the centennial logo: http://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/sakura100/en/sakura100_top.html

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