Sakura Cherry Tree 

Friendship Across the Pacific

Friendship will bridge the Pacific Ocean: Minoh City, Japan, donated cherry trees to Victoria, BC, Canada in 1990 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Sister City relationship between the two cities. The donation was a gesture of goodwill and friendship, and it marked the beginning of a new era of cultural exchange and cooperation between the two cities.

The cherry trees were carefully selected and shipped to Victoria, where they were planted in Beacon Hill Park. The trees were a special variety called "Akebono" or "Dawn" cherry trees, known for their delicate pink flowers and early bloom time.

The planting of the Minoh City cherry trees was a significant event in Victoria, and it was celebrated with a special ceremony attended by local dignitaries, Japanese officials, and members of the public. The ceremony included traditional Japanese music and dance performances, and a symbolic tree-planting ceremony.