Japanese pop stars get flirty in America (20 PICS)

Asuka Kuramochi, center, performs with other members of Japanese pop group AKB48 at the Lincoln Theatre in Washington. The band came to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Japan's gift to Washington of cherry blossom trees.

Members of pop group AKB48 stole the spotlight

Japanese pop stars showed there fun, flirty and flowery side at a concert in the U.S. capital as part of the 100th anniversary events commemorating the gift of 3,000 cherry trees, on Tuesday.

Sixteen members of the popular Japanese group arrived in Washington this week, in town for just 36 hours on a cultural exchange to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Japanese gifting of the cherry blossom trees.

Members of Japanese pop group AKB48 perform at the Lincoln Theater in Washington on March 27, 2012. The band is in the US capital as part of the 100th anniversary celebrations of the gift of 3,000 cherry trees from the mayor of Tokyo to the city of Washington.

Rina Hirata (C) of Japanese pop group AKB48 poses for a photo with students during a visit to Strong John Thomson Elementary School in Washington on March 26, 2012. The band is in the US capital as part of the 100th anniversary celebrations of the gift of 3,000 cherry trees from the mayor of Tokyo to the city of Washington.