Amicale

The three young Japanese cherry trees in front of the Council of Europe burst into delicate pink blossom this week. The occasion was marked by a photo with Deputy Secretary General, Bjorn Berge, the Permanent Observer of Japan to the Council of Europe, UCHIDA Hiroyuki, and his staff from the Consulate-General. Several Council of Europe pupils of Japanese and their teacher, Ryuji Takano, were also there to enjoy the moment.

The flowering of the cherry trees is perhaps the most famous symbol of Japan, recognized and loved throughout the world. It’s happening right now and so the Japanese themselves are preparing their beloved Hanami, their celebration pick nick which takes place in the shade of these stunning clouds of fragrant pink blooms.

The three cherry trees in the photo were gifted by Japan to the Council of Europe in 2021, to mark the 25th anniversary of Japan becoming an Observer State. Next year, Japan will celebrate 30 years of its Observer status and so we can expect a programme of celebratory events to mark this significant date.