Z Notes Blog by Jim Zumwalt
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Cherry blossoms surround the Tidal Basin and the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, D.C. (Photo by SFMorimura)

March 26 - Ann and I enjoy the spring - a season of rebirth and renewal. A cherry tree in our garden is beginning to show some small buds, and the birds are building their nests.

When we lived in Washington, D.C., we also enjoyed beautiful cherry trees thanks to the generosity of Japanese friends. In 1912 Tokyo Mayor Yukio Ozaki donated cherry trees to Washington as a gift of friendship between the United States and Japan. First Lady Helen Taft and Viscountess Chinda, wife of the Japanese Ambassador, planted the first two cherry trees on the northern bank of Washington's Tidal Basin.

A nice view of the Washington Monument, too

Three years later Washington, D.C. donated dogwood trees to Tokyo as a return friendship gift. Now Japanese cherry trees completely surround the Tidal Basin and the Jefferson Memorial in Washington. When they bloom, the entire walkway around the basin becomes crowded with sightseers.

(Photo by Tim Dougherty)

Indeed, Washington's cherry blossom season has become one of the most popular times of the year for tourists. A two-week long Cherry Blossom Festival hosts a number of events including a Japanese lantern-lighting ceremony, a kimono fashion show, martial arts demonstrations, a Japanese kite flying festival, sushi cooking classes, and a street fair with Japanese food, music, and demonstrations of Japanese popular culture. Interest in Japan remains quite high. Last year over 700,000 tourists visited Washington during this festival.

When Ann and I lived in Washington, we missed Japan, but we always looked forward to Washington's Cherry Blossom Festival where we could enjoy Japanese culture without leaving home.

Until next time,

Jim

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