Trees have played a unique role in the relationship between the U.S. and Japan. The first major gift came in 1912 and consisted of 3000 Japanese cherry trees.
The second major gift of Japanese trees were the 53 bonsai given in 1976. Since then additional bonsai have been exchanged between the two countries.
In 1998 Japanese Prime Minster Keizo Obuchi gave President Clinton two bonsai, an Ezo Spruce and a Trident Maple, upon his visit to Japan.
2012 marks the 100th anniversary of the cherry trees arriving in DC making this years blossom’s particularly special.
At a special event for Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda, Secretary of State Hilary Clinton announced that 3000 American dogwoods are being sent to Japan to mark this anniversary.
Richard Olsen, a plant geneticist at the National Arboretum, was interviewed on NPR concerning his role in bringing the trees to Japan.
Richard was not the only Arboretum staff tapped by the state department. Jack and I had to get the Clinton Ezo ready for its appearance at the dinner.
In order to get the tree ready we needed to pluck some of the longer buds, wire a few branches, apply moss and clean the pot.
The changes are subtle which is the idea when getting a tree ready for show. You don’t want to show a tree that looks like its had a lot of work done on it recently.
Jack putting on the final touches.
I’m not sure if those in attendance realized the significance of the bonsai that was sharing the stage with these two dignitaries. While Secretary Clinton and Prime Minister Noda represented their countries, the Spruce represented the relationship between these two nations. Just as a bonsai is a small representation of something very big. This bonsai was the ambassador for all the gifted trees, from the cherries surrounding the Tidal Basin to the dogwoods making their way across a much larger body of water.
The gift of trees is not just for our enjoyment but for those who are yet to come. I think Richard summarized it well when he said “you’re planting something for future generations to enjoy. And trees and plants are one of the few things that appreciate in value. You plant it, and then over time, they actually grow and become more valuable. And to be part of something as altruistic as this and noble, just the act of planting trees is very exciting.”
Please subscribe to this blog in order to receive updates of new posts and to help me know how many people are reading. Thanks!
Capital Bonsai 
You must be logged in to post a comment.