Queen's Trip to Japan
by Alessandra M. Evangelista

As the 2024 U.S. Cherry Blossom Queen, I was deeply honored to embark on the
goodwill tour of Japan. The numerous traditional ceremonies, performances, and demonstrations
I experienced reaffirmed the power of cultural diplomacy in fostering mutual understanding
between The United States and Japan. From my warm All Nippon Airways welcome at Tokyo
Haneda Airport, to the meaningful exchanges with Japanese dignitaries and community leaders,
this journey highlighted the strength of the Japanese-American friendship.
My meetings with Japanese Prime Minister Kishida, American Ambassador Emmanuel,
and Japanese Speaker of the House Nukaga demonstrated the high regard in which our two
nations hold each other. Notably, Governor Yuriko Koike of Tokyo, the first female governor of
Tokyo, recently re-elected for a third term, stood out as an inspiring encounter. Moreover, my
conversation with Imperial Princess Kako of Akishino was equally memorable as she showed
great interest in the details of the Cherry Blossom Princess Program week.
Beyond Tokyo, I traveled to two other prefectures, Mie Prefecture and Shizuoka
Prefecture. In Mie, I visited Ise due to its significance as Mayor Ozaki’s birthplace who
supported the 1909 gift of cherry blossoms to Washington, D.C. Here, I planted a
commemorative “Yokowazakura” cherry blossom tree in Ise City’s Asamayama Park.
Additionally, I witnessed the harvesting of cultured pearls by traditional Ama divers at Mikimoto
Pearl Island and participated in a special worship ceremony at the Ise Jingu Grand Shrine. These
encounters gave me a deep appreciation for Japanese people’s connection with nature and their
great respect for spiritual traditions.
Furthermore, my visit to Shizuoka City brought history into focus, particularly through a
memorial site visit honoring American soldiers and Japanese civilians killed in a World War II
B-29 bomber crash over the city. It was a meaningful reminder of the importance of peace and
reconciliation, a theme echoed throughout my tour.
Finally, moments of cultural exchange with middle and high school students in Ise and
Shizuoka City were very touching. Their enthusiasm, hospitality, and thoughtful gestures—such
as playing both the United States and U.S. Virgin Islands anthems—reminded me of shared
universal desires to connect and learn from one another. I appreciated their talented
performances of leido (Japanese swordsmanship), the koto instrument, and sumo wrestling.
Sharing my Virgin Islands heritage with them and teaching the iconic VI hand sign felt like a
meaningful way to bring my identity into the dialogue.
As I reflect on this experience, I carry with me a renewed commitment to peace,
understanding, and cooperation across borders. I hope my engagements in Japan contributed to
the enduring friendship between our nations and inspired those I met, and continue to meet, to
see the power and beauty of cultural exchange.