On Tuesday, May 30, Governor Koike met with Samantha Olsen, the "2017 (69th) United States Cherry Blossom Queen" of the "National Cherry Blossom Festival," at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.

In reference to cherry trees along the Potomac River in Washington, D.C., the governor recounted that Yukio Ozaki, then mayor of Tokyo City, presented cherry trees to the United States, which reciprocated with a gift of flowering dogwood to Japan. Governor Koike said, "the donated cherry saplings have now grown to be wonderful cherry trees. They can be enjoyed every year as a symbol of the beautiful U.S.-Japan friendship. I hope you will promote our friendly relationship as the Cherry Blossom Queen."

Ms. Olsen responded with a smile saying, "As this is my first trip to Japan, I am very excited and happy to be here."