The mission of the Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival Committee is to plant 1,000 cherry trees by planting 100 trees every spring over 10 years. These cherry trees will not only beautify Nashville’s landscape, but also provide a backdrop for the annual Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival.

In 2009, in addition to successfully planting the first 100 cherry trees , a planting ceremony and taiko performance were held at the Public Square.  This year we aim to plant 100 more trees and expand the Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival at the Public Square on Saturday, March 27.

Cherry blossoms, or sakura, have been the symbol of U.S.-Japan friendship since the Mayor of Tokyo donated 3,000 cherry trees to Washington, D.C. in 1912.

Cherry blossom festivals, or sakura matsuri, are celebrated every spring all over the United States. By attracting tourists and bringing a taste of Japanese culture to the local communities,  these festivals contribute to international exchange and education as well as local economic development.