Sakura to blossom in Weston Weston is helping to celebrate the friendship between the UK and Japan by planting two Japanese cherry trees in the village. The trees, now in place at two locations around The Green, are part of a national gift of 8,000 Japanese cherry trees which are being planted in parks, gardens and public spaces up and down the UK to celebrate the strong relationship between Japan and the UK. Cherry trees were selected as an international symbol of friendship because cherry blossoms – sakura in Japanese – hold deep cultural significance. Their arrival each spring represents renewal, hope and new beginnings. The Duke of Gloucester, patron of The Japan Society, said: “What better way to commemorate the long-standing friendship between the people of the United Kingdom and Japan, than the planting of Japanese cherry trees that will live on for future generations to enjoy. I would like to congratulate all of those involved to make possible such a worthwhile project.” His Excellency Hiroshi Suzuki, Japanese Ambassador to the UK, added: “I hope many British people will enjoy themselves seeing cherry blossoms every spring as a token of warm friendship from the Japanese people.”