Growing international relationships one cherry tree at a time

Schools across the county are being urged by Derbyshire County Council to apply to receive a free Sakura Cherry Tree to celebrate the friendship between Japan and the UK.

Cherry Trees for Schools is coordinated by The Japan Society as part of a large nationwide project which aims to donate and plant more than 4,000 Cherry Trees in parks and public spaces in 2020 to mark the Japan-UK Season of Culture between 2019 and 2020.

Last year Derbyshire County Council, Derby City Council and South Derbyshire District Council celebrated their 20-year twinning partnership with Toyota City in Japan.

Derbyshire County Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategic Leadership, Culture and Tourism, Councillor Barry Lewis, said:

“We’re delighted to be backing the Sakura Cherry Tree Planting Project and we hope Derbyshire schools apply for their own planting.

“We’ve built a strong relationship with Japan over the years and we’ll be strengthening our relationship further in the years ahead by improving our educational, environmental, economic and sporting links.”

Schools interested in applying for a Cherry Tree planting can apply on the Japan Society website.

The preliminary closing date for applications is Thursday 28 February 2019. Schools unable to apply by this date are advised to email education@japansociety.org.uk to confirm eligibility. The trees are being funded through donations from the Japanese private sector.

The Japan-UK Season of Culture, with activity in both Japan and the UK, celebrates the friendship of the two countries, and will provide an opportunity for people in both countries to explore each other’s cultures and technologies between the Rugby World Cup 2019 and Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

For further information, please contact the Japan Society on education@japansociety.org.uk or call 020 7935 0475.