The Truth about Washington and Cherry Trees (A Recommendation)

The hanami season is about to begin in Japan, and I hope you are just as excited as me. I love going to see cherry blossoms, and I would like to tell you about one of my favorite hanami spots. I first went there more than twenty years ago, which may surprise you. My father and I visited this place eight springs in a row, and I have been back a few more times since. This spot is in my home country, of course. In fact, it is in the capital of my country.

From early to mid April, thousands of cherry trees bloom across Washington DC. They are just as beautiful as the ones here in Japan. This is because they actually came from Japan exactly 100 years ago. It was a wonderful gift from the Japanese government, and many American people have enjoyed the classic Japanese tradition of hanami ever since. But speaking of Washington and cherry trees, there is a story I want to tell you. This is a story all children in my country are taught, and it is an old American tradition.

According to legend, when America’s first president, George Washington, was only six years old, he was given an axe. He was very excited, and went around his father’s farm attacking small trees and bushes. By accident, he also attacked his father’s special cherry tree. When his father noticed the damage, he was very angry, and wondered if one of his workers had done it. George realized that he would be safe if he lied, but he decided to tell his father what he had done anyway. The father was so proud of his son’s honesty that George did not get into any trouble.

Ironically, most historians agree that this story, which is supposed to teach American children the importance of telling the truth, is itself false, and never happened. And the cherry tree in this story was from England, a type which does not have beautiful flowers like those from Japan. Still, this old legend made the cherry trees in Washington DC even more significant for the American people, and it became an interesting blend of cultures.

I realize that you may not be able to go to Washington DC this year, but if you are ever planning a trip to my country’s capital, try to do it in early April. I promise that your American hanami experience will be one of the best and most unique you have ever had!