Washington’s cherry blossoms to peak in late March after Japan PM’s visit

WASHINGTON – Washington’s iconic cherry trees are expected to reach peak bloom a little over a week after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s planned visit to the U.S. capital later this month for a meeting with President Donald Trump, local officials said Thursday.

During a press conference on Washington’s annual cherry blossom festival, Kevin Griess, superintendent of National Mall and Memorial Parks, disclosed that the predicted bloom dates are from March 29 to April 1, later than usual due to cold weather.

This year’s national festival, commemorating the 1912 gift of about 3,000 cherry trees from Tokyo to Washington as a symbol of friendship, will run from March 20 to April 12.

“The blossoms represent resilience, renewal and enduring U.S.- Japan friendship,” Griess said.

Takaichi, who became Japan’s first female prime minister in October, is set to meet with Trump on March 19 at the White House in her first U.S. trip since taking office.

Griess added that this year’s festival is especially important as the United States celebrates the 250th anniversary of its independence, with the pink petals throughout the capital serving as “a reminder of American stewardship, a symbol of international respect between countries and a connection to our national history.”

To mark the anniversary, Japan has committed to donating 250 cherry trees to the United States.

The festival, dating back to 1927, features a parade, concerts and many other cultural events, and has long served as the kickoff to the U.S. capital’s tourism season.

“Whatever happens in this world, we still have this beautiful spring season. So, please join us,” Diana Mayhew, president of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, said at the press event.

Masatsugu Odaira, minister of public affairs at the Embassy of Japan in Washington, said the blossoms have become a “platform” to connect people, “no matter who they are,” thanks to the care the American people have given to the trees for over a century.

Referring to Takaichi’s upcoming visit, he expressed hope that Japan’s relationship with the United States will be further strengthened by people-to-people exchanges.