The Japan-Egypt Association plans to plant 1,200 "sakura" cherry blossom seedlings on the banks of the river Nile in Egypt later this month as a gesture of friendship between the two countries.
The planting of the "yaezakura" -- or double-flowered cherry tree -- seedlings, along the banks of the world's longest river will constitute a "symbol of goodwill" to encourage closer grassroots ties between the two nations, the association said Thursday.
"With sakura as the symbolic flower of Japan, we are hoping it will convey the message of what Japanese culture is and raise the profile of Japan (in Egypt) in the most simple way," association head Yoshinobu Ashitaka said.
Ashitaka said he is not aware of any existing sakura trees in the area, and noted the closest thing to a sakura tree grown in Egypt is a type of peach tree.
The seedlings from Yamagata Prefecture are being donated by a 69-year-old man who has actively promoted sakura for cultural exchanges for several years. The man was a key figure in the planting of 300 sakura seedlings from Yamagata along a street in the city of Kawasaki.
The idea of donating the seedlings to Egypt was first broached by a friend of the man, who happened to be an adviser to the Japan-Egypt Association.
Organizers said they believe the project, which was approved by Egyptian authorities in October, will be a success as the climate in the area is similar to that of Kagoshima Prefecture.
Organizers said further details, such as when the seeds will be planted, will be finalized when the delegation arrives in Egypt. It is scheduled to leave Japan on Wednesday.
Sakura trees are appreciated in Japan for their blossoms, whose color and form are said to reflect the traditional Japanese values of purity and simplicity.