Over 8,000 CHERRY TREES GIVEN TO TOWNS, VILLAGES, PARKS AND SCHOOLS ACROSS THE UK
The 6 trees being planted at Hopwas Playing Field are some of the over 8,000 Japanese cherry trees – or Sakura in Japanese – given to the UK by Japan, and planted across the country in parks, gardens and schools to celebrate Japan’s relationship with the UK.
The project is a legacy from the Japan-UK Season of Culture 2019-2021, which aimed to showcase Japan’s multifaceted attractions in the UK. The gift of these trees enables people to learn more about Japan, its culture and traditions. It is the intention of this project to plant across the whole of the United Kingdom so that each spring there is a wave of cherry blossom across the country.
The Sakura Cherry Trees will be distributed to over 1,000 sites in all four countries of the UK from St Ives to Aberdeen to Londonderry, Cardiff and several of London’s biggest parks. The project was formally launched with a planting ceremony at The Regent’s Park attended by HRH The Duke of Gloucester, the then Japanese Ambassador Yasumasa Nagamine, Joint Chairman of the Sakura Cherry Tree Project Keisaku Sandy Sano and local school children in 2019.
To date, trees have been planted in all the counties of England and Wales, and planting continues in Scotland. Trees have been planted in Northern Ireland, the Orkneys, Tresco in the Scilly Isles, the Isle of Wight and the Isle of Man, and planting will continue for the next two years, completing in 2027.
All of the varieties of cherry trees to be planted as part of this project are of Japanese origin. The vast majority will be of three varieties, ‘Beni-yutaka’, ‘Tai Haku’, and ‘Somei-Yoshino’, which have been chosen for their variation in colour, timing, and historical significance. For example, ‘Tai haku’ is a large, single white blossom variety, which became extinct in Japan but was reintroduced to its homeland by Britain’s Collingwood ‘Cherry’ Ingram in 1932.
Most of the over 8,000 trees were planted across the UK in 2021- 2025, following the planting of 125 trees in The Royal Parks in autumn 2019. The Frank P Matthews nursery in Tenbury Wells in Worcestershire is the main grower and supplier of the trees.
The renowned Japanese artist, Kenya Hara has provided the design of the commemorative certificates. This permanent and lasting symbol of the enduring friendship between the UK and Japan is entirely funded by Japanese businesses and individuals and managed by the Sakura Cherry Tree Project team.
The Duke of Gloucester is patron of the Japan Society which aims to improve understanding of the cultures, societies and businesses of Japan and the UK.
The Duke of Gloucester said, “What better way to commemorate the long standing friendship between the people of the United Kingdom and Japan, than the planting of Japanese cherry trees that will live on for future generations to enjoy. I would like to congratulate all of those involved to make possible such a worthwhile project.”
Keisaku Sandy Sano, Founder and Joint Chairman of the Sakura Cherry Tree Project Team said “The response we have had from all across the UK, from Guernsey in the south to the Orkneys in the north, from parks and schools across the UK has been amazing. It is testament to the strong relationship between the two countries, and we hope the trees will be a lasting tribute to that.”
Takashi Tsukamoto, Joint Chairman of the Sakura Cherry Tree Project Team said, “Many Japanese corporations have decided to, through the Japan-British Society, generously donate to this project to celebrate a long friendship between our two nations. I am deeply grateful for all the efforts and support given by people and corporations both in Japan and UK to this project.”
H.E. Hiroshi Suzuki, Japanese Ambassador to the UK (since 2024), who is one of the three founding members of this project together with Mr. Sano and Mr. Tsukamoto, said “This project symbolises the never changing friendship between Japan and the UK. I am delighted to see the project develop well beyond its original target of planting 1,000 cherry trees, so we have agreed on a new target of planting 10,000 trees. I hope many British people will enjoy themselves seeing cherry blossoms every spring as a token of warm friendship from the Japanese people.”