Attendance at Sakura Cherry Tree Party and commemorative planting in Rosyth
2025/12/6
On Saturday 6th December, Cultural Consul Masataka Abe attended the Sakura Cherry Tree Party at Rosyth Public Park to celebrate the recent planting of a total of 24 cherry tree saplings across four parks in the Fife area under the Sakura Cherry Tree Project.
The event was attended by Robert Balfour, the Lord Lieutenant of Fife, and speeches were made by Heather Wray, Chair of Rosyth Community Council, Fife councillor Jan Wincott, and Fife councillor Brian Goodall, expressing gratitude for the cherry trees donated through the Sakura Cherry Tree Project. They also took the time to highlight the climate change measures and local environmental efforts taking place through this cherry tree planting, as well as the contributions which have been made towards the local community.
After, a commemorative tree planting was held. This was accompanied by a performance of the song "Sakura Sakura" on the violin and followed by readings of haiku poems by representatives from some elementary schools and local community groups. As part of the event, there were demonstrations of Japanese dance, as well as hands-on experiences with origami, sashiko embroidery, furoshiki wrapping, and haiku poem writing, which gave attendees an opportunity to engage with Japanese culture.
The cherry tree saplings planted in Rosyth Public Park were adorned with haiku poems created by local elementary school students through a school visit program conducted prior to the event by EATS Rosyth in collaboration with the Consulate General of Japan in Edinburgh.
We hope that through such cultural exchanges and community activities, the bonds between Japan and Scotland will continue to deepen. When the cherry trees reach full bloom in Spring, we hope that they will produce valuable opportunities for local residents to share the beauty of nature and culture through activities such as “hanami” (cherry blossom viewing).
The event was attended by Robert Balfour, the Lord Lieutenant of Fife, and speeches were made by Heather Wray, Chair of Rosyth Community Council, Fife councillor Jan Wincott, and Fife councillor Brian Goodall, expressing gratitude for the cherry trees donated through the Sakura Cherry Tree Project. They also took the time to highlight the climate change measures and local environmental efforts taking place through this cherry tree planting, as well as the contributions which have been made towards the local community.
After, a commemorative tree planting was held. This was accompanied by a performance of the song "Sakura Sakura" on the violin and followed by readings of haiku poems by representatives from some elementary schools and local community groups. As part of the event, there were demonstrations of Japanese dance, as well as hands-on experiences with origami, sashiko embroidery, furoshiki wrapping, and haiku poem writing, which gave attendees an opportunity to engage with Japanese culture.
The cherry tree saplings planted in Rosyth Public Park were adorned with haiku poems created by local elementary school students through a school visit program conducted prior to the event by EATS Rosyth in collaboration with the Consulate General of Japan in Edinburgh.
We hope that through such cultural exchanges and community activities, the bonds between Japan and Scotland will continue to deepen. When the cherry trees reach full bloom in Spring, we hope that they will produce valuable opportunities for local residents to share the beauty of nature and culture through activities such as “hanami” (cherry blossom viewing).