Sakura is the Japanese word for cherry blossom. This word is well known around the world because of many cherry trees gifted to other nations by the Japanese government. The blooming of Japan’s cherry trees marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring. These trees bear no fruit, and their blossoms last only about 10 days, but they represent life and its annual renewal.

Sakura was chosen to be the name of our organization because of its symbolic tie between Japan and the United States. It expresses our mission to share, create, and promote beauty and friendship between nations and individuals.