Attendance at the Sakura Cherry Tree Planting and Dr. Isabella Gordon Memorial Event in Keith
2026/5/18
On Monday 18th May, Consul General Katsutoshi Takeda attended a commemorative event in Keith, Banffshire, which combined the planting of cherry trees as part of the "The UK-Japan Sakura Cherry Tree Project " and the publication of a children's book "In the Footsteps of Isabella Gordon."
The UK-Japan Sakura Cherry Tree Project has planted over 8,000 Sakura cherry blossom trees in over 1,000 locations so far, with many trees planted in the Consulate’s jurisdiction ranging from Orkney in the far north of Scotland, to mainland Scotland and North East England.
Keith is the birthplace of Dr. Isabella Gordon, a carcinologist with ties to Japan. Dr. Gordon interacted with Japanese researchers and was invited to Japan in 1961 to celebrate the 60th birthday of Emperor Shōwa. During her visit, in a conversation with the Emperor, she compared specimens of crabs collected by His Majesty with those she had brought with her, confirming that the ones collected by the Emperor in Sagami Bay were a new species. In addition, she actively conducted lectures, exhibitions, and collecting activities across Japan, contributed to the founding of “The Japanese Crustacean Society”, and even attended its inaugural ceremony during her stay, leaving a significant legacy in the field of Japanese crustacean research.
During the commemorative ceremony at Keith Primary School, in addition to a choir performance and recitations by the students, the publication of the children's book 'In the Footsteps of Isabella Gordon' was announced. The current Principal Curator, Crustacea, at the Natural History Museum in the UK attended the event, as well as Andrew Simpson, the Lord Lieutenant of Banffshire, who delivered a congratulatory address. Following this, in Consul General Takeda’s remarks, he praised the friendship between Japan and the UK through Sakura cherry blossoms and Dr. Gordon's international achievements, while also giving words of encouragement to the students. He then attended the unveiling ceremony of the Sakura cherry tree planting plaque held outside the school.
Afterwards, similar ceremonies were held at Scotscraig Gardens and St. Thomas’ RC Primary School, where Deputy Lieutenant Dr. John Harrington and Janice Meldrum, Chair of Keith & District Heritage Group gave greetings. Additionally, a session was held at Keith Grammer School introducing Dr. Isabella Gordon and her connection to Japan.
Going forward, we hope that exchanges through Sakura cherry blossoms in this area and connections with Dr. Isabella Gordon will further deepen the bonds between Japan and Scotland.
The UK-Japan Sakura Cherry Tree Project has planted over 8,000 Sakura cherry blossom trees in over 1,000 locations so far, with many trees planted in the Consulate’s jurisdiction ranging from Orkney in the far north of Scotland, to mainland Scotland and North East England.
Keith is the birthplace of Dr. Isabella Gordon, a carcinologist with ties to Japan. Dr. Gordon interacted with Japanese researchers and was invited to Japan in 1961 to celebrate the 60th birthday of Emperor Shōwa. During her visit, in a conversation with the Emperor, she compared specimens of crabs collected by His Majesty with those she had brought with her, confirming that the ones collected by the Emperor in Sagami Bay were a new species. In addition, she actively conducted lectures, exhibitions, and collecting activities across Japan, contributed to the founding of “The Japanese Crustacean Society”, and even attended its inaugural ceremony during her stay, leaving a significant legacy in the field of Japanese crustacean research.
During the commemorative ceremony at Keith Primary School, in addition to a choir performance and recitations by the students, the publication of the children's book 'In the Footsteps of Isabella Gordon' was announced. The current Principal Curator, Crustacea, at the Natural History Museum in the UK attended the event, as well as Andrew Simpson, the Lord Lieutenant of Banffshire, who delivered a congratulatory address. Following this, in Consul General Takeda’s remarks, he praised the friendship between Japan and the UK through Sakura cherry blossoms and Dr. Gordon's international achievements, while also giving words of encouragement to the students. He then attended the unveiling ceremony of the Sakura cherry tree planting plaque held outside the school.
Afterwards, similar ceremonies were held at Scotscraig Gardens and St. Thomas’ RC Primary School, where Deputy Lieutenant Dr. John Harrington and Janice Meldrum, Chair of Keith & District Heritage Group gave greetings. Additionally, a session was held at Keith Grammer School introducing Dr. Isabella Gordon and her connection to Japan.
Going forward, we hope that exchanges through Sakura cherry blossoms in this area and connections with Dr. Isabella Gordon will further deepen the bonds between Japan and Scotland.
