For 75 years, the National Cherry Blossom Princess (CBP) Program has brought young women from all 50 states and other U.S. territories together in our nation’s capital to celebrate the friendship between the United States and Japan. The program led by the National Conference of State Societies is a cultural and educational exchange that allows young women to learn more about Japanese culture, and different customs practiced by other U.S. allies.
Most importantly, it is an unforgettable week-long experience that provides dozens of young women with the opportunity to build lifelong friendships with one another and undertake professional development.
Last week, I served as a delegate and representative for the State of Iowa as the 2023 Iowa Cherry Blossom Princess. Returning to Washington, D.C. for the program was so exciting to me! Springtime in the district is always beautiful, and the buzz of excitement you feel while visiting the city never disappoints.
Leading up to the program, I wasn’t entirely certain what I would walk away with, so I approached the program with an open mind. We received a detailed preview of our schedule and activities over Zoom during the months leading up to the kickoff, but my exact expectations weren’t yet defined when I arrived. I felt nervous to step outside of my comfort zone, but I was ready to push myself beyond the confines of my routine and was eager to learn.
In 1957, Japan donated a stone lantern to the United States as an enduring token of our friendship and alliance. The lantern was originally carved in 1651 where it stood in the ancient city of Edo — now present-day Tokyo. Today, the lantern is over 370 years old and stands along the Tidal Basin near the National Mall.
On Monday, we visited the Military Women's Memorial at Arlington Cemetery. We learned about the history of the Women's Army Corps and how the role of women in uniform has evolved throughout history. Today, many women service members still struggle to have properly fitting body armor and protective gear, which was a challenge females in combat have faced for decades.
We also visited the United States Institute of Peace to understand key causes of global unrest and the importance of using diplomacy to resolve conflict overseas.
Throughout the week, we also visited the Embassy of Lithuania and learned about cultural customs unique to the Baltic region state. At the Japanese Information and Cultural Center, we received a demonstration of the traditional Kimono that is worn by women in Japan. The hand-made garments are incredibly intricate and are a sacred symbol of Japanese culture. We also attended a reception at the Japan Ambassador’s Residence in D.C. and were able to sample a variety of sushi, Wagyu beef, and other Japanese dishes after hearing remarks from Ambassador Koji Tomita from the Embassy of Japan in the USA .
At the Taiwanese Cultural Center in Gaithersburg, Maryland, we were fully immersed into Taiwan’s customs and traditions, including a demonstration of the Erhu, which is similar to a violin but only has two strings and no frets. We were treated to a performance of the diabolo, a Taiwanese style yo-yo (which is also much harder to learn than it looks)!
Toward the end of the week, we visited elementary schools in D.C. to read to students. Each of us read a book that had a connection to the states we represented, and we donated our books to the schools as a way to promote literacy and further encourage reading as a hobby.
After touring the White House on Friday morning, we prepared for the 75th Annual Cherry Blossom gala, where the 2023 United States Cherry Blossom Queen would be crowned and determined by fate after spinning a wheel.
First, Miss. Congeniality was awarded to my program colleague Sophie Marcolla of Illinois, who beamed with kindness and positive energy each day throughout the week. Next, the wheel was spun to select the Cherry Blossom Queen runner-up: The amazing South Carolina Cherry Blossom Princess Carlisle Cooper.
Finally, it was the moment of truth. I stood in the back row on the stage and watched the wheelstart to spin, but I wasn't nervous or anxious. I just had this feeling while I stood there, and even throughout the week. Sometimes you just know when something really good is about to happen.
The wheel came to a smooth stop and landed on Iowa. I was then officially crowned the 2023 United States Cherry Blossom Queen. I was truly in awe, and it took a few days for me to full process the excitement and gratitude I felt after getting chosen.
Being crowned this year's U.S. Cherry Blossom Queen as the Iowa Cherry Blossom Princess felt especially symbolic to me. Cherry Blossom Princess program director Gigi Galbraith who has championed and spearheaded CBP for many years was also the Iowa Cherry Blossom Princess in 1988, and she is a graduate of Iowa State University.
To me, being selected Queen as the Iowa Cherry Blossom Princess was nothing short of the epitome of good luck. In the 75 year history of the program, an Iowan has not been chosen as the U.S. Cherry Blossom Queen since 1964.
On Saturday, I rode on the Royal Float in the National Cherry Blossom Festival alongside 2023 Japan Cherry Blossom Queen Sakura Yuhara, and was accompanied by Carlisle and Sophie on the float following all of our fellow program delegates. I was able to reflect on my experienceduring an interview with VIETV and interacting with other parade-goers.
Click here to watch the Cherry Blossom Princess Program parade floats.
At the end of May, I will have the opportunity to travel to Japan as the United States Cherry Blossom Queen. I could not be more fortunate, blessed, and grateful to be afforded with this opportunity. I am excited to make the most of every moment this next year by representing our country as as proud Iowan, exercising leadership and diplomacy, and promoting the U.S.-Japan alliance.
