First ladies Jill Biden and Yuko Kishida plant sakura tree to mark US-Japan friendship
By Ryan General
The first ladies of the U.S. and Japan honored the friendship between their countries by planting a cherry tree at the White House on Monday.
The sapling, which Jill Biden and Yuko Kishida planted near the East Wing, was sourced from a Yoshino tree planted on the south grounds back in 2017. There are 23 other cherry trees planted across the 18-acre property.
Yoshino plants are Japanese flowering trees that are known to bloom fragrant pinkish blossoms called sakura much earlier than other cherry varieties.
“The planting of this tree is a symbol of the friendship between our two nations forever and ever,” Biden said as she welcomed Kishida to the presidential residence.
Before the ceremonial planting, the women first met over tea that Kishida prepared. Biden then gave Kishida a tour of the White House, taking her to meet President Joe Biden at the Oval Office.
The U.S. first lady then hosted a women-only lunch for Kishida and other guests that included Rep. Doris Matsui (D, CA-7), Washington Ballet principal dancer Maki Onuki and Yale University School of Medicine immunology professor Akiko Iwasaki.
Kishida’s visit, aimed at promoting friendship and cultural exchanges between the U.S. and Japan, marked the first time the spouse of the Japanese prime minister has traveled alone to the U.S.
She joined her husband Prime Minister Fumio Kishida during his meeting with President Joe Biden in January at the Oval Office but did not meet Jill Biden, who was recovering from a surgical procedure at the time. The U.S. first lady had several cancerous lesions removed from her skin two days prior to the meeting.
President Biden, who is seeking to promote closer security ties with both Japan and South Korea, will be hosting the state visit by South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and first lady, Kim Keon-hee, next week.
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