SAKURA MANBON PROJECT

The Japan Society of Fairfield County is engaged in a project to build connections and community between the US and Japan - Sakura Manbon.

Sakura (桜、さくら) means Japanese Cherry Blossom. It is the national flower of Japan, a harbinger of spring whose fleeting blossoms represent the fragility of life. They are a symbol of renewal and optimism. Manbon（万）means 10,000, which is a figurative way to say “many!” Sakura Manbon will be a highway of cherry blossoms spreading beauty and hope across and connecting our communities.

In May 2021, the JSFC replaced a tree in New Canaan’s Mead Park along the Memorial Gold Star Walk honoring residents lost in WWII with a cherry blossom tree. We’re grateful that so many from the local community came together to support our effort.

After that we worked on raising funds to plant an allée of 22 Japanese Higan Cherry Blossom trees at the Jay Heritage Center in Rye, NY, childhood home of peacemaker and Founding Father John Jay. JSFC successfully raised the $15,000 needed for this project, and on June 14, 2022 we presented it to the Jay Heritage Center.