Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival

Messages of Support

“As Mayor of Nashville I am pleased with the important relationship our city shares with Japan and the Japanese Consulate-General, the first Consulate-General in Tennessee. Nashville is excited and looking forward to celebrating this special friendship through the first annual Sakura Matsuri, Cherry Blossom Festival.

The rich diversity found in Nashville means Music City is ready for a greater taste and understanding of Japanese culture. I am confident the Cherry Blossom Festival will not only spark a greater interest in this mutual friendship but also in all that Japan has to offer.”
-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