With the March school holidays around the corner and overseas travel on hold due to the pandemic, Gardens by the Bay is bringing a bit of Japan (just like this Japanese restaurant) to Singapore.
In spite of disruptions in the shipping industry affecting the supply of cherry blossom trees from Europe, Gardens by the Bay will be bringing back the popular Sakura display with specialty sakura trees from Japan – and a little help from Hello Kitty.
Gardens by the Bay is pleased to present the Sakura Featuring Hello Kitty floral display from 1 March 2021.
Hello Kitty, the endearing Japanese international icon, will make her debut at Gardens by the Bay in this year’s Sakura Featuring Hello Kitty floral display. She will appear in various picturesque settings including a hanami (flower viewing) picnic amidst spring blossoms, a nodate (an outdoor tea ceremony), and a Japanese-style landscaped garden. Quintessential Japanese elements like torii gates and red-crowned cranes will also be featured in the floral display.
Gardens by the Bay Sakura Season
Safety continues to be a priority in all Gardens by the Bay events and thus in planning the Sakura floral display, they took into consideration safe distancing measures to spread out scenic spots and blossoms, allowing visitors space to maintain a distance from one another.
Cultural programmes such as traditional folk music and dance, taiko drum performances, Japanese tea demonstrations and ikebana workshops, organised in partnership with the Embassy of Japan in Singapore’s Japan Creative Centre, will be scaled down in accordance with prevailing safety guidelines, which cap the number of attendees who will need to pre-register for the programmes.
Gardens by the Bay CEO Felix Loh said, “Many of us can’t wait to travel again and cherry blossoms in Japan would rank highly as one of the must-go destinations for everyone. Hence, despite logistics issues, the Gardens team insisted on reaching out to our overseas partners to bring this much-loved display to Singaporeans. While cherry tree supplies may be limited this year, we hope these rare beauties will continue to bring our families and loved ones together in a time of Covid-19. We are also thankful to the Embassy of Japan in Singapore for their continued support and partnership.”
Ms Marziah Omar, Senior Assistant Director of Conservatory Operations overseeing the display in Flower Dome added, “Our annual Sakura floral display has brought much joy and delight to Singaporeans over the past five years. Despite the supply challenges this year, we are doing our best to make sure that we continue to present this popular floral display to our visitors. We are still hopeful that the larger cherry blossom trees from Europe will arrive later. When that happens, we will incorporate them into the display and our visitors will get the bonus opportunity to enjoy an extended sakura season this year.”
Hello Kitty Singapore
Sakura Featuring Hello Kitty floral display was launched by Ambassador of Japan to Singapore His Excellency Jun Yamazaki and Ambassador-at-Large at Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Professor Tommy Koh. They also graced the unveiling of a sculpture by renowned Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama titled “Kei-Chan”, which was donated to Gardens by the Bay by private individual Ms Lee Tuan.
Ambassador of Japan to Singapore His Excellency Jun Yamazaki said, “I am once again delighted to welcome the Sakura floral display at Gardens by the Bay, which is in its sixth year. It is an event that brings Japan closer to Singapore. I am personally excited to see the beautiful sakura blossoms. Please also enjoy the tastes and sounds of Japan while taking in the sense of spring on display right here in Singapore.”
Sakura Featuring Hello Kitty Floral Display
- Date: Monday, 1 March
- Time: 9am – 9pm
Details: Admission charge to Flower Dome applies. Visit www.gardensbythebay.com.sg/sakura for details. Visitors can check Gardens by the Bay’s Facebook and Telegram channel for updates on the state of blooming.
