The British Embassy celebrated the 100th anniversary of its cherry trees Friday by planting a sapling and having Princess Nori unveil a commemorative sculpture.
The trees, planted in 1898, were a gift from Sir Ernest Satow, a British diplomat in Japan in the late 19th century. Two of Satow's granddaughters, Sumie Takeda and Shizue Hayashi, also attended the event, tilling soil for the new tree. They were among more than 150 Japanese politicians, businessmen and members of the local Chiyoda Ward community in attendance.
More saplings were also planted on the embassy grounds. Children from the British school also performed the song "Sakura" and dramatized an adaptation of Oscar Wilde's short story "The Selfish Giant."
"The planting symbolizes two important features of Britain's relationship with Japan: the depth and content of the historical bonds between us, and the emphasis we lay on links at the community level on both sides," said Ambassador Sir David Wright.
The event was part of Festival UK 98, a yearlong festival in Japan.
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