As cherry blossoms bloom each spring, we are reminded of the enduring friendship between Japan and the United States.
The sakura were one of Japan’s first gifts to the United States. In 1912, Japan shipped thousands of flowering cherry trees to the US to be planted in public parks.
Today, cherry-blossom festivals are held in cities like New York, Buffalo, Philadelphia, Washington, DC, and nationwide as tributes to this lasting relationship, rooted in deep trust.
These community celebrations, and the quiet Sakura Park tucked away in Upper Manhattan, are reminders that the bonds between Japan and the United States are continuously forged at the grassroots level.
Our bilateral ties, and our efforts to better understand one another, grow increasingly crucial as the geopolitical environment becomes more severe and complex. Ongoing discussions and negotiations are occurring right now that will shape our nations’ future economic relations.
Yet the relationship between our two countries has advanced on the ground for decades, particularly in New York City.
The MTA’s newest subway cars, made by a Japanese company’s local plant established in 1986, were tailor-made to meet the needs of this gigantic city. They feature security cameras, LED lighting, open gangways and wide doors to smooth passenger flow.
Throughout my tenure as ambassador, I have visited many Japanese plants — from food production to heavy industries — that have demonstrated to me the tireless efforts of Japanese businesses to integrate into American society.
Anchored in local communities, they create jobs and respond quickly to economic fluctuations, fulfilling the trust the US has placed in Japan as an economic partner.
The strength and interwovenness of our economic bonds at all levels is evident: Japan has been the world’s largest investor in the US for five consecutive years.
Of course, we mirror each other’s appreciation. When I attend Anime NYC each year, I’m greeted by thousands of characters who look as if they jumped out of Japanese manga.
I speak at universities and colleges where large numbers of students are eagerly learning Japanese language and culture, if not the economy or history of Japan.
New Yorkers clearly have a love of affordable, high-quality home goods and apparel in a minimalist Japanese style.
We must not forget the city’s highly regarded Japanese sports figures, including Mets pitcher Kodai Senga and Knicks coach Dice Yoshimoto — and of course sake, sushi, ramen, matcha and more are all part of most New Yorkers’ diets.
None of this happened overnight.
Building our interwoven cultures, economies and interests took many one-on-one, person-to-person exchanges between the Japanese and American people.
That’s the backbone of Japan-US relations, and creating these genuine, respectful friendships with each other is an ongoing process, a barrier against uncertainties and changes in any region of the world, or close to home.
On Saturday, we’ll have a wonderful opportunity to personally add to the relationship between Japan and the US, right here on the streets of New York City — along Central Park West, not far from Sakura Park.
I welcome you to join us for the fourth Japan Parade, a large-scale community celebration of Japan’s culture and close bonds with this city, featuring the Japanese performing arts, businesses and nonprofits that contribute to everyday New York life.
Imagine the effect that 2,700 marchers and 50,000 spectators will have on our collaborative spirit!
Together, let us show how the powerful ties between our two nations will create more possibilities and hope for our bright shared future.
Mikio Mori is ambassador, consul-general of Japan in New York.