Ambassadors Caroline Kennedy and Reiichiro Takahashi Plant a Cherry Tree at BBG

Caroline Kennedy, Ambassador of the United States of America to Japan, and Reiichiro Takahashi, Ambassador and Consul General of Japan in New York, planted a cherry tree at Brooklyn Botanic Garden today.

“Japanese gardens are one of Japan's great contributions to human civilization,” said Ambassador Kennedy. “We are standing here now because 100 years ago people believed in the power of nature to teach us about faith, hope, and commitment to one another. They wanted us to understand that we share our environment with people on the other side of the world.”

Both ambassadors serve as honorary co-chairs of the Garden’s Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden Centennial.

The tree, Prunus ‘Snow Goose', which produces delicate white spring blossoms, was planted along the Japanese garden’s path just north of the viewing pavilion. This garden, designed by Takeo Shiota, opened to the public in 1915.

“This 100-year-old garden is an enduring work of art that has helped strengthen the friendship between our two countries,” said Ambassador Takahashi. “May many generations of New Yorkers continue to enjoy this little piece of Japan for many more years to come.”