By the mid 1930s, the link between cherries and national identity was firmly established in Japan.

Yet diplomats used the blossoms as benign propaganda, hiding sinister intentions.

Read by Hattie Morahan.

Portrait of a little-known Englishman, a story of Britain and Japan in the 20th century and an exploration of the delicate blossoms whose beauty is admired around the world.

Collingwood Ingram, known as 'Cherry' after his defining life's work, was born in 1880 and lived to 100, witnessing a fraught century of conflict and change.

Written and translated by Naoko Abe

Abridged by Isobel Creed and Lizzie Davies

Producer: Lizzie Davies

A Waters Company production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in March 2019. Show less