Wales-Japan friendship blooms with gift of ginkgo trees english.kyodonews.net

By Grace Campbell, KYODO NEWS - 3 hours ago - 12:38 | All, Japan[ullstein bild/Getty/Kyodo]Fifteen ginkgo tree saplings have been sent from Wales to Japan as a symbol of the two nations' deep-rooted friendship.
The saplings were taken from a ginkgo tree in Pembrokeshire, southwest Wales, a location noted for its remarkable history in the country's long-standing ties with Japan.
Also present at the launch was Lt. Heihachiro Togo, who was studying in Wales at the time and oversaw the ship's construction.
Togo's connection with Wales led to the fully-grown ginkgo tree being called "Togo's Ginkgo" by locals.
James said he felt "elated, excited and interested" to think of the trees being sent to Japan.