A group that believes "sakura" cherry trees are a vital tool in exchanging international goodwill is trying to raise the blossoms' profile ahead of the 90th anniversary of Tokyo's gift of cherry trees to Washington.

Sonoko Kudo, director of the Japan Cherry Blossom Association (Nihon Sakura no Kai), said that following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in the U.S., cherry trees can provide comfort.

"The sakura is a symbol of peace and very representative of the Japanese culture," Kudo said.

She also expressed hope that these activities help raise awareness of Japanese of the goals of their organization and the role these trees have in promoting international exchanges.

Tokyo sent cherry trees to Washington as a gesture of friendship in 1912.

As part of its promotional campaign, the association conducts a program in which it selects Japanese women between age 18 and 24 to act as so-called envoys promoting the spirit of the cherry tree.

The envoys -- usually two to three women and chosen every two years -- are called Japan "cherry blossom queens" and participate in cherry tree festivals and blossom-related events at home and abroad.

Applications for the 19th queen contest will be accepted until Jan. 8.

The association, founded in 1964, aims to plant, cultivate and care for cherry trees in Japan, and to use them as a tool in international and cultural exchanges.

In the past 36 years, it has planted some 2.8 million cherry trees in parks and areas near rivers, streets and public facilities, and has been conducting a 10-year campaign to plant 1 million cherry trees.

The group has so far also sent cherry trees to 53 countries, including the U.S., Australia and China.

Members of the association include local governments, and more than 1,000 cities and towns, as well as Diet members, groups and individuals.