Sakura no Kai – The Gathering Connecting Poland and Japan by Siberian Children Descendants

On October 17, 2025, the Residence of the Ambassador of Japan in Warsaw hosted a special event – “Sakura no Kai”, dedicated to the memory of the Siberian Children and to the lasting friendship between Poland and Japan.

 

The name of this meeting – “Sakura no Kai” (桜の会, meaning “Gathering under the Sign of the Cherry Blossom”) was proposed by Takaaki Ohta, President of Fukudenkai, during the ceremony commemorating the 100th anniversary of the return of the Siberian Children to Poland, held in Warsaw in 2023.
The cherry blossom – sakura – symbolises the hospitality extended to Polish children in Japan 100 years ago, as well as the lasting remembrance and continuation of our shared Polish-Japanese history. Since then, this name has accompanied all our community’s gatherings.

 

The evening began with a warm personal welcome extended to each guest by Japanese Ambassador Mr. Akira Kono, President of Fukudenkai Mr. Takaaki Ohta, and Mrs. Akie Abe, wife of the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and now President of Fukudenkai Support Committee.
Following the greetings, speeches were delivered by the three hosts as well as by a representative of the descendants of the Siberian Children, who spoke movingly about the shared history that continues to unite both nations.

A musical performance by a group from Płock followed, featuring Polish and Japanese songs – including “Sakura Sakura,” “Szła dzieweczka do laseczka” (sung in both languages), and “Usagi to Kame”, a beloved Japanese song that the Siberian Children once learned during their stay in Japan.

The evening continued with a reception party, where guests enjoyed Japanese dishes and sushi prepared by the Embassy’s kitchen chef.During the banquet, descendants and guests had time to reconnect, take commemorative photos, and exchange ideas for new initiatives.

At the end of the event, participants received a commemorative tenugui towel – a traditional Japanese hand-dyed cloth – as a symbol of friendship and remembrance, to decorate their homes and remind them of this meaningful gathering.

The Sakura no Kai once again brought together people across generations and borders, celebrating the bonds of friendship, memory, and gratitude that continue to blossom between Poland and Japan.