A plaque is unveiled commemorating the Birkdale Ravine Sakura Tree Project.
(All photos courtesy of the City of Toronto)
A New Sakura Tree Project Celebrates Municipal Friendship
On July 6, a Sakura (Japanese flowering cherry) tree was planted in a special ceremony in Birkdale Ravine in Scarborough, symbolizing the friendship agreement between Toronto and the City of Sagamihara in Kanagawa Prefecture. In attendance were Consul-General of Japan Yasunori Nakayama, Deputy Mayor of Sagamihara Hiroaki Koike, Sagamihara Council Chair Yoshihiro Abe, representatives of the Sagamihara Chamber of Commerce and Industry as well as Mr. James Matsumoto and Ms. Chako Setoyama of Toronto who had been appointed special advisor by the City of Sagamihara. Representing Toronto were Toronto City Councillor Michael Thompson, Councillor Chin Lee, members of the Japanese community and local residents. About 100 people took part in celebrating the continuation and development of the friendship between the municipalities.
Toronto City Councillor Michael Thompson
Deputy Mayor of Sagamihara Hiroaki Koike
Sagamihara Council Chair Yoshihiro Abe
Consul-General of Japan Yasunori Nakayama
Mr. James Matsumoto and Ms. Chako Setoyama
Working together for the ceremonial planting.
