Japan gives DC 250 cherry trees, replacing those to be removed for Tidal Basin seawall repairs NBC 7 San Diego [Video]

Spring is a time for renewal and fresh starts, and Japan and the United States celebrated both with a Wednesday morning announcement: Japan gave the U.S. 250 new cherry trees.

President Joe Biden shared the news with reporters gathered at the welcome ceremony for Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and first lady Yuko Kishida. The new trees will replace those that must be removed from the Tidal Basin later this spring, before the National Park Service can begin work rehabilitating the crumbling seawall in the area.

The visit, ceremony and press conference took place ahead of a Wednesday night state dinner, a tool meant to boost diplomacy between America and its closest allies. The gift of 250 new cherry trees — meant to honor the U.S.’s 250th birthday in 2026, Biden said — reinforces the sentiment.

“Let me end with this. It’s spring in Washington,” Biden said to reporters. “The sun is shining. And every spring, cherry blossoms bloom across the city thanks to …