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Japan-U.S. Cherry Blossom Centennial Commemorative Cherry Tree Planting and Photo Exhibition ”Culture of Tohoku” (June 23, 2012)
On Saturday, June 23, a Japan-U.S. Cherry Blossom Centennial commemorative cherry tree planting was held at Sakura Square, Denver, in the 2012 Cherry Blossom Denver Festival.
There were approximately 100 attendees at the cherry tree planting ceremony, including Consul-General Ono, Mrs. Ono, Reverend Fujii from Tri-State Denver Buddhist Temple, Derek Okubo, Executive Director of Human Rights and Relations on behalf of Denver Mayor Hancock, and several representatives from the Japanese-American community.
During the ceremony, Reverend Fujii expressed his appreciation at the fortunate opportunity to combine the cherry tree planting with the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the annual Cherry Blossom Denver Festival.
It is hoped that the cherry tree now planted in Sakura Square will thrive and grow through generations to come, helping to strengthen the great friendship between the peoples of Japan and the U.S., and serving as an enduring symbol of the festival which has been established as a showcase of Japanese culture through long efforts of local communities in Denver.
An exhibition of photographs by Jon Yamamoto was also on display during the festival. Mr. Yamamoto is a photo-journalist here in Denver, and his exhibition portrayed people living in areas affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake from the event through ongoing recovery efforts. The images of people continuing to strive for recovery and reconstruction impressed viewers with the spirit of "Vigorous Japan".