SEATTLE – Today, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell joined the Consul-General of Japan in Seattle Makoto Iyori and other Japanese-American community leaders to celebrate the planting of eleven new cherry blossom trees around the Japanese Cultural & Community Center of Washington (JCCCW).
“These new cherry blossom trees will uplift Seattle’s enduring ties to Japan and the beauty and resilience of our Japanese and Japanese American communities,” said Mayor Bruce Harrell. “Representing the renewal of springtime, these magnificent blossoms will preserve the hope of our Japanese ancestors who came to this city to build a new life for generations to come. I’m grateful the City could work with the Japanese Cultural & Community Center of Washington and other community organizations to recognize our history and plant these new trees.”
“May these sakura trees stand as a testament to the enduring beauty of nature and bring happiness to those who behold them,” said Consul General Makoto Iyori. “May they inspire us to continue our efforts to deepen relationships both in Seattle’s Japanese American community, across future generations, and between Japan and the United States. Let us cherish these sakura trees and the promise they hold for a prosperous and harmonious future.”
Other Japanese-American community leaders joined the ceremony, including Japanese Cultural & Community Center of Washington Executive Director Karen Yoshitomi, Nikkei Heritage Association of Washington Board President Kurt Tokita, Seattle Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival Committee Chair Tazue Sasaki, and Japan Business Association of Seattle (Shunjukai) Board Member Nobuyuki Odagiri.
The tree planting honors a cycle of gift-giving, friendship, and preservation between the people of Japan and the United States which began over 100 years ago. In Japan, cherry trees represent the interdependence and connection between humanity and nature. Cherry trees have deep roots in our local community going back to 1929 when Japan bestowed 3,500 cherry trees to Seattle.
The eleven new cherry blossom trees are the second set of trees to be planted in Seattle this season as part of a commitment to plant two dozen new cherry trees. In December eight cherry trees were planted near Pike Place Market, and the City of Seattle plans to plant additional trees at the new Waterfront Park currently under construction.
The planting ceremony honors the legacy of the immigrant Japanese community in Seattle and rededicate our efforts to promoting friendship and mutual support for all people for many seasons to come.
The Japanese Cultural & Community Center of Washington is the site of the Seattle Japanese Language School, a Seattle Historic Landmark.
What People Are Saying
Nobuyuki Odagiri, Japan Business Association of Seattle (Shunjukai) Board Member
“In the ebb and flow of business, we find solace in the resilience of the cherry tree steadfast amidst the changing seasons. As we celebrate planting these trees, let us be reminded of our shared commitment to weathering challenges and embracing growth. May our endeavors blossom like the cherry blossoms, radiating beauty and hope throughout our community.”
Kurt Tokita, Nikkei Heritage Association of Washington Board President
“The Cherry Blossom or Sakura represent a time of renewal and rebirth. The replanting of the Sakura celebrates another renewal and rebirth of our precious culture and heritage that line our streets.”
Tazue Sasaki, Seattle Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival Committee Chair
“This is a legacy gift – and we understand the importance of serving as stewards of the gift.”
