More than 1,000 residents of and visitors to the Washington metropolitan area gathered among the city’s cherry trees March 24, 2011 to show support for the people of Japan in the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami. The event, called “Stand With Japan,” included a moment of silence. At the event, people were encouraged to gather to reflect and participate in the walk around the Tidal Basin, where the cherry blossom trees, gifted to Washington, DC from Tokyo in 1912, have stood the test of time for 99 years. The Festival is uniquely positioned as a natural conduit to unite the millions of people who want to assist and express their support in a show of unity. The relationship with Japan is at the heart Festival, and the evening of hope and perseverance occurs before the 16-day celebration begins on Saturday, March 26, 2011. The Festival’s diverse and creative programming honors the gift of trees each year and the enduring friendship between the two countries. The event came two days before the start of the city’s annual National Cherry Blossom Festival, which celebrates the enduring friendship between the United States and Japan, symbolized by profuse pink and white blooms.

Japan’s ambassador to the United States, Ichiro Fujisaki, told the crowd he was grateful for the support shown at the event. Attendees were asked to donate to the American Red Cross Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami relief fund. The festival also is sponsoring an online auction, from which a portion of proceeds are designated for the fund. “We have received an outpouring of support over the past days, and the Festival is uniquely positioned as a natural conduit to help connect, unify, and communicate to millions of people how they can support and contribute — throughout our 16 days of events (from March 26 to April 10) — and beyond,” the festival committee says on its website. The website also invites viewers to make an online donation for Japan to the American Red Cross.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival is Washington’s most popular springtime event. The 2011 Festival, March 26-April 10, includes three spectacular weekends and daily events featuring diverse and creative programming promoting traditional and contemporary arts and culture, natural beauty, and community spirit. The 2011 Festival commemorates the 99th anniversary of the gift of the cherry blossom trees and the enduring friendship between the United States and Japan.The festival is expected to attract 1 million visitors.

See other campaigns supporting the Japanese relief efforts: Songs for Japan, George Takei, Ann Curry, Mike Shinoda of Linkin Park, and other Asian Americans/Canadians.

Stand with Japan: Cherry Blossom Walk