President Biden said the trees, like the U.S.-Japan relationship, are “timeless, inspiring and thriving.”
The announcement comes about a month after the National Park Service announced it would remove 300 trees, including 158 cherry trees, around the Tidal Basin and West Potomac Park during a restoration project for the crumbling seawall. Ta. One of the trees being felled on the south side of the Tidal Basin is known as Stumpy. The hollow tree trunk is in advanced stages of decay.
Repairs to the seawall will require installing fencing and construction equipment around some of the cherry trees over the next three years, Parks Department officials said. The park service says it's part of a restoration project underway on the National Mall ahead of its 250th anniversary.
Kishida said Wednesday that he decided to donate 250 new trees after learning that some of them would be replaced after construction. Three of them have already been planted on the White House lawn, including one planted last year by first lady Jill Biden and Mr. Kishida's wife, Yuko.
Kishida and his wife visited the White House this week, and on Wednesday night they attended a state dinner, the first for a Japanese prime minister in nine years. Mr. Kishida and Mr. Biden are expected to discuss future military and defense cooperation.
Kishida pointed out that D.C.'s cherry trees are long-lived, with some reaching 112 years old. The lifespan of a cherry tree is usually about 60 years. The prime minister praised the “guardians of cherry blossom trees” for maintaining the blossoms' prosperity.
Mr. Kishida said, “Just as the local residents have cherished and protected this cherry tree, the Japan-U.S. relationship has also been supported and nurtured by many people who love each other's countries.''