"I am pleased, once again, to serve as Honorary Co-chair of the Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival Committee.  Last year's inaugural event was a tremendous success, featuring a rousing taiko performance on the steps of the Metropolitan Courthouse and the planting of the first 100 cherry trees, toward our ultimate goal of 1,000 in ten years.  This year's event will build on the strong foundation laid last year and will serve to deepen Nashville's appreciation for Japanese culture.  The friendship between Japan and the United States is vibrant and strong, and it is an honor for our city to host such and important cultural event."

-Karl Dean, Mayor of Nashville

“It is my great pleasure and honor to serve as the first ever Consul-General of Japan at Nashville and Honorary Co-Chairman of the Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival Committee. Cherry blossoms symbolize a new arrival of spring in Japan and the lasting friendship between Japan and the United States. We launched the Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival Project to celebrate the close bond between our two countries. We hope both the cherry trees and festival will grow every year so that the beauty of cherry blossoms in full bloom can bring Japanese and Americans even closer.”

-Hiroshi Sato, Consul General of Japan at Nashville

"The strong ties between the United States and Japan have been part of the fabric of our local economy for several decades, with companies like Nissan and Bridgestone making significant investments in the Nashville region. This generous gift of cherry trees from our Japanese friends will add beauty to our city, while commemorating the enduring camaraderie between our two nations.”

-Ralph Schulz, President and CEO of the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce