Cherry Blossoms in Coria del Rio

In 1614, Coria del Río, Spain, welcomed a Japanese diplomatic mission led by Tsunenaga Hasekura, seeking to build relations with Spain and the Vatican. Around ten samurai chose to remain in Coria del Río, and their descendants, known as “Japon,” still live there today. This encounter marked one of the earliest cultural exchanges between Japan and Spain.

More than 400 years later, the cherry tree planting project carries this bond forward. Each tree stands as a symbol of friendship, peace, and mutual understanding — a bridge of shared hearts connecting the past and the future.
May these cherry trees continue to carry the spirit of that historic exchange, gently connecting the hearts of Japan and Spain for generations to come.