Cherry Tree Dedication Ceremony & USS Midway Sakura Festival

The City of San Diego joined the celebration of the 2012 Japan – U.S.  National Cherry Blossom Centennial by planting 31 new cherry blossom trees along the boardwalk at Tuna Harbor Park and by the Japanese Friendship Bell at Shelter Island.  A dedication ceremony was held by the Unified Port of San Diego, followed by a Sakura Festvial on board the USS Midway Museum, on March 29, 2012.

San Diego Taiko opened the dedication ceremony with the dynamic sound of traditional taiko drums. After being introduced by Unified Port of San Diego Chairman Lou Smith, Consul General Niimi spoke about the meaning of the cherry blossom to Japanese people.  He affirmed that it also symbolizes the friendship between Japan and the United States. (Click here to see the full text of CG's remarks.) Councilman Kevin Faulconer welcomed the new trees to San Diego, and a proclamation by Mayor Jerry Sanders was read and given.  He declared March 29th “Cherry Tree Centennial Anniversary Day” in the City of San Diego.

After the dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony, upwards of 400 attendants enjoyed a Sakura Festival, co-hosted by the Consulate and the USS Midway Museum, and held on the deck of the USS Midway itself. President Mac McLaughlin reminded the audience that the ship was the first American carrier home-ported in Japan at Yokosuka Naval Base, and that many former servicemen have fond memories of their time in Japan.

Entertainment at the Sakura Festival included a Japanese Friendship Garden Karate Club demonstration, sanshin musical performance by the Okinawa Kenjinkai, “The Sakura” dance skit, and Japanese songs by students at Morse High School. The Consulate offered Japanese flags, magazines, and information about Japan, while volunteers of the Japan Society of San Diego and Tijuana taught origami, the art of folding paper. 

In addition, samples of okonomiyaki, a popular Japanese dish, was prepared and served by Otafuku Foods. Japanese curry was provided by S&B Foods, House Foods, and Kikkoman Corporation. The Imperial Japanese Navy adopted curry from the British Royal Navy.  It is now a tradition to serve curry every Friday, and each vessel of the Japan Maritime Self Defense Forces has its own distinct recipe, which can be viewed on the JSMDF website (in Japanese only). Curry happens to be the favorite food of Consul General Niimi.