Someya is a graduate of Keio University but it was only through chance and rigorous training that she was able to become the Japan Cherry Blossom Association's 9th princess. She entered a training camp in 2016 and excelled in etiquette, foreign language proficiency, general knowledge, and writing. Eventually, she was selected out of 30 candidates to the position of princess, a role she will hold for two years.

Her first task as a representative of Japanese culture was to visit Hawaii where she carried out a variety of promotional activities. Her sojourn in Wuxi marks the second stop during her ambassadorial role and Someya hopes her efforts can help to spread some of the best aspects of Japan's rich traditions.

"By wearing kimonos, the most formal clothes of my country, I am able to display the traditional culture to foreigners. Additionally, through my words and actions I am able to show the world Japanese aesthetics and our deep affection for cherry blossoms."

From left to right: Kudo Sonoko, 4th cherry blossom queen of Japan Cherry Blossom Association; Someya Tomomi, 9th cherry blossom princess of Japan Cherry Blossom Association; Hasumi Hisako, 1st cherry blossom queen of Japan Cherry Blossom Association. [Photo provided to China Daily]

It is easy to see why Someya was so charmed by Wuxi's landscape, during her visit to Turtle Head Isle strong sunshine illuminated rows of resplendent cherry blossoms and if her first trip to China is anything to go by, her future cultural exchanges are sure to bloom prosperously.