On March 27th AKB48 held a performance for the �National Cherry Blossom Festival� in Washington DC. This year marks the 100th year that Tokyo sent cherry blossom trees to the United States. The girls performed various songs including their cherry blossom associated hit song, �Sakura no Hanabiratachi�. Reportedly, around 1,100 fans came to watch the girls perform.

The venue was crowded with people and in the middle of the concert member Minegishi Minami (19) greeted the audience by saying, �I am glad that I was able to come to Washington on the 100th anniversary.� Leader Takahashi Minami (20) also showed her gratitude, �The aid we received from the United States after the Tohoku Earthquake is allowing us to recover little by little.�

A woman from the eastern part of Maryland (29) shared her excitement, �I took off work to come here. I like how hard these girls work.�







Source: Sanspo