Fettes is delighted to be one of the chosen schools to receive cherry trees as part of the Sakura Cherry Tree project that sees 6,500 Japanese cherry trees (sakura in Japanese) given to the UK by Japan to celebrate their relationship between the two nations. We are grateful to current parent, Mr Taji and the Consul General for Japan in Edinburgh, Mr Takaoka, for introducing us to this special project and selecting Fettes to take part.   

“At Fettes we have always had strong ties with Japan, so we are deeply indebted to the Sakura Cherry Tree project for including us so we can celebrate together the enduring friendship between our two countries”  

Helen Harrison, Head of Fettes College

“I sincerely thank you for accepting our friendship offer commemorating our two nations long established relations. Cherry blossom is in our heart and shows our gratitude for the past relationship and, at the same time, to help our mutual future flourish”  

Keisaku Sandy Sano, Founder and Joint Chairman of the Sakura Cherry Tree Project Team 

Fettes’ connection with Japan dates back to 1885 when an Old Fettesian wrote about his 10 month trip to Japan including this beautiful quote written about his travels along the Kiso-gawa “The woods with their various shades of green mingling with the wild cherry and the plum blossom, the pink azaleas and white flowering-shrubs, and the bright-coloured maples, some of the leaves being a deep crimson, were most charming”. We also have records of Old Fettesians leaving the UK to working in Japan in both shipping and journalism in the early 1900’s and our earliest pupils who were based in Japan came in the 1960s. Today, the links with Japan continue with a thriving Old Fettesian network in Japan and Japanese students, based in both Japan and Scotland studying with us. 

“As a Japanese person living in Edinburgh, it is wonderful news that Fettes accepted the offer. I hope all Fettesian can enjoy the Sakura, cherry blossom corridor every spring for many years to come.”  

Takashi Taji, current parent 

We look forward to the Spring when the beautiful variety of beni-yutaka will start to bloom and thrive for up to 100 years. When we are able to have visitors on to campus we will host a formal ceremony to mark the arrival of the trees and give thanks to those who have made this project possible.