Cherry Blossoms in Washington, D.C. Source of Pride for Daiichi Sankyo

Daiichi Sankyo honors its Japanese heritage and special connection to the beloved cherry blossom trees in Washington, D.C. as a perennial sponsor of the National Cherry Blossom Festival. 

The 2025 National Cherry Blossom Festival parade was cause for much celebration. Some employees honored Japanese ancestors, others relived childhood traditions, and all displayed their Daiichi Sankyo pride as they marched down Constitution Avenue. Watch the video to experience the joy of parade day. 

Our Connection to the Cherry Blossoms

Daiichi Sankyo, a global pharmaceutical company based in Japan, and the annual display of cherry blossoms in Washington, DC can trace their history to a common visionary— National Inventors Hall of Fame member Dr. Jokichi Takamine.  

Takamine, a pioneering biochemist and first president of our legacy company, Sankyo, played a pivotal role in bringing the trees to the U.S. capital more than 100 years ago. His connection began while visiting with the Japanese consul, when he learned of then-First Lady Helen Taft’s wish to plant cherry blossom trees in the city.   

Long interested in fostering goodwill between his native Japan and the U.S., Takamine saw an opportunity to link the two countries by facilitating the donation of 3,000 trees from the mayor of Tokyo to Washington, DC.  

This gesture of friendship has since flourished into the annual National Cherry Blossom Festival, a celebration that embodies the enduring bond between the two countries. Each spring, the festival provides an opportunity to reflect on our history of innovation and collaboration that began with Dr. Takamine. 

Just as cherry blossoms symbolize renewal, at Daiichi Sankyo, we are working to create a healthier future for generations to come.