It's fun! December 20 Sidmore Cherry Blossom Tree Planting Ceremony

　Eliza R. Sidmore, an American travel writer who created the opportunity for Japan-US cherry blossom exchange. Sidmore Cherry Blossoms related to her were donated to Nishi Ward by the Sidmore Cherry Blossom Society Yokohama to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Nishi Ward system and to foster momentum for GREEN × EXPO 2027.

　On Friday, December 20, a bronze statue of Naosuke Ii, who was instrumental in opening the port of Yokohama, held a tree-planting ceremony for the Yoshino cherry tree in Kamonyama Park, also known as a famous cherry blossom spot.

　At the tree-planting ceremony, we first heard from Umemoto, Representative Director of the Sidmore Cherry Blossom Society Yokohama, about the history of the Sidmore Cherry Blossoms and the story of Yokohama Ueki Co., Ltd., who worked hard to carry the cherry blossoms to Washington.　In the hoeing, we poured soil and watered the Sidmore cherry blossoms with the attendees. At that time, former JUDY AND MARY drummer Kota Igarashi, the captain of the general incorporated association `` Let's Energize Nippon with Music '' who attended this time, also composed "Sakura blossoms in full bloom" with the image of Shidmore cherry blossoms Was shown.　Mr. Hirano, Chairman of the Executive Committee for the 80th Anniversary of the Nishi Ward System, spoke about his thoughts on the future development of Nishi Ward.

　In commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the Nishi Ward system, we are very pleased to have been able to plant trees as a future initiative. I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to all the local communities, companies and organizations for their cooperation in the 80th anniversary of the Nishi Ward system, including the tree-planting ceremony.

December 20, 2024 Kenji Kikuchi, Director General of Nishi