Sakura, friendships bloom at Yokota Published April 4, 2023 By 1st Lt. Samantha Perez 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- U.S. Air Force leaders from the 374th Airlift Wing and their Japanese Air Self-Defense Force counterparts gathered at the Operations Support Wing annual sakura viewing on April 1 at Yokota Air Base, Japan. Sakura, also known as the cherry blossom, is Japan’s unofficial national flower. The blooming of sakura trees is celebrated each year and holds a prominent position in Japanese culture as it symbolizes the beginning of spring and a time of renewal. Laughter and cheers could be heard throughout the event as swordsmanship and dance skills were on full display. The sakura viewing further demonstrated the partnership and cooperation between the OSW and the 374th Airlift Wing.