We are now inviting schools in the UK to apply to be part of the Sakura Cherry Tree Planting Project in the UK, a project to celebrate the friendship between Japan and the UK.

Schools interested in receiving and planting a cherry tree should apply by using the application form below by 28 February 2019. Trees will be supplied by the Cherry Tree Project, but planting and maintenance will be the responsibility of the applicant educational institution / school.

Background to the Project

On the 1st September 2017, UK Prime Minister Theresa May and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced in Tokyo that the years 2019-2020 would mark the Japan-UK Season of Culture. This season, with activity in both Japan and the UK, will celebrate the friendship of the two countries, and will provide an opportunity for people in both countries to explore each other’s cultures and technologies between the Rugby World Cup 2019 and Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Within the Japan-UK Joint Declaration on Prosperity Cooperation made by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Prime Minister Theresa May, the two leaders welcomed a proposal from the Japanese private sector to donate and plant thousands of Japanese Sakura cherry trees all across the UK as a symbol of our relationship.

Consequently, the Sakura Team was created, headed by Mr Sandy Sano of the Japan Association in the UK and supported by the Japan-British Society in Japan headed by Mr T Tsukamoto. The Sakura Cherry Tree Planting Project in the UK aims to plant over 1,000 trees in 2020. Three varieties of Japanese sakura have been chosen by the Sakura Team based on such factors as the variation of colour, timing and historical significance. These are: Beni Yutaka, Tai Haku, and Somei Yoshino.

How to Apply

Please, fill out the application form and return it by Thursday 28 February 2019 to: