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Cherry Tree Plantings Commemorate the 2012 Japan - U.S. Cherry Blossom Centennial |
In commemoration of the Japan - U.S. Cherry Blossom Centennial, the Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens distributed more than 1,200 cherry trees to non-profit organizations, schools, and public parks. Many Japan-related groups, such as sister city organizations, received trees. The trees were distributed at the end of January by the Huntington Botanical Gardens.
Several recipient organizations have already planted trees. Commemorative planting ceremonies have been held to celebrate the friendship between Japan and the United States through the symbol of the cherry tree. |
Roosevelt High School
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On Tuesday, January 31, 2012, a cherry tree was planted at Roosevelt High School in front of the classroom of Ms. Keiko Miya, a teacher of Japanese at Roosevelt High School. Ms. Miya lost five family members in the 2011 Tohoku earthquake disaster.
The planting was organized to commemorate the Japan—U.S. Cherry Blossom Centennial and also to support Ms. Miya. When the tree blooms each spring, the school hopes that Ms. Miya will be consoled by its beauty and hope.
Two more cherry trees were planted in Roosevelt High School’s Japanese Garden. This garden was established in 1935 by the Japanese Club of Roosevelt High School.
Participating in the planting were members of the USC IGM Art Gallery, LANSCA, the Dean’s Community Advisory Council, The Local Group, students, teachers and administrators of Roosevelt High School. |
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Above photos courtesy Lynn Crandall
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Photo courtesy Richard Fukuhara |
Pacific Wind Arts Sculpture Garden of Long Beach
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Trace Fukuhara and Erik Carline planted a cherry tree at Pacific Wind Arts Sculpture Garden of Long Beach on February 14. Two more cherries will be planted on March 18 during a day of appreciation that will feature cultural performances.
The public garden is in the location of what was once a plant nursery called M. Hara Nursery, owned by Trace Fukuhara’s parents. |
| Photo courtesy Trace Fukuhara |
Cherry Trees Planted in Griffith Park
On February 16, 2012 a planting ceremony was held in Griffith Park. The ceremony was organized by Los Angeles City Councilmember Tom LaBonge. Huntington Library’s Dan Berry and LANSCA’s Ernest Hida participated in the planting along with Councilmember LaBonge.
Through the gift from the Huntington, the Los Angeles Nagoya Sister City Affiliation (LANSCA) presented the cherry trees to the City of Los Angeles. Fifteen cherry trees have been planted along in the vicinity of the Pony Rides and along Crystal Springs Drive.
Councilmember LaBonge bestowed certificates of appreciation to the Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens, LANSCA, and the Japanese Consulate. |
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Los Angeles County Library in Culver City
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In Culver City, cherry trees were planted along the bike path of Ballona Creek right next to the Japanese Garden at the Julian Dixon County Library on Overland Avenue. The tree planting was arranged through the Culver City Kaizuka Sister City Committee.
The Japanese Meditation Garden was a gift from the City of Kaizuka and was completed in 1974. The blooming cherry trees are visible from the meditation garden. |
El Camino High School
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Teacher Ken Mukai plants cherry trees on the campus of El Camino High School in Woodland Hills. El Camino High School received ten cherry trees from the Huntington Botanical Gardens which were planted on the slopes of the campus. |
Keiro Senior Healthcare
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Keiro Senior Healthcare received cherry trees for its retirement facilities. Standing next to one of the donated trees at Keiro’s Los Angeles campus in Boyle Heights, are Keiro Intermediate Care Facility residents Rose Yusa, Ruth Ogawa, Chiyeko Kajikawa, and Yuki Hayashi with staff member Etsuko Sakaguchi. The tree is already in bloom.
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| Photo courtesy: Keiro Senior HealthCare |
Anaheim Japanese Free Methodist Church
Congregation members of the Anaheim Japanese Free Methodist Church prepare to plant cherry trees in the Japanese garden of the church. The church received three trees from the Huntington. |
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| Photos courtesy Mas Egawa |
Higashi Honganji Buddhist Temple
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Higashi Honganji in downtown Los Angeles, planted twelve cherry trees on its grounds to commemorate the centennial. Rev. Nobuko Miyoshi digs a hole in preparation for cherry tree planting.
Higashi Honganji served as one of five cherry tree distribution centers for the Huntington Botanical Gardens. In this way, recipient organizations could obtain sakura trees at locations closer to them. |
Chapman University
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Japanese Club members of Chapman University in Orange plant a sakura tree on the campus. The Japanese Club hosts an annual “Panther Matsuri.” This year they commemorate the Cherry Blossom Centennial with a Sakura Matsuri. |
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