Consul-General and Sakura Committee Chair HisaoYamaguchi brave a hailstrom
to deliver a speech while McMaster President Peter George looks on.
Bad weather could not dampen the festive spirit surrounding the Sakura planting ceremony that took place at McMaster University on Nov. 17. The ceremony marked the donation of three trees to the university.
Taking place in the heart of the university campus, between Hamilton and University Halls, the ceremony was attended by 31 people, including Consul-General of Japan and Sakura Committee Chair Hisao Yamaguchi, McMaster University President & Vice-Chancellor Peter George and former University Senator Margaret (Inouye) Lyons.
Mr. Yamaguchi and Dr. George take part in a ceremonial planting and unveil a plaque commemorating the donation.
Giving his speech in the midst of a sudden hail storm, Mr. Yamaguchi said, "McMaster University is a good friend of Japan, and is affiliated with a number of Japanese universities with which faculty and student exchanges are held regularly," and expressed the intended hope of the Sakura Project that. "the students of McMaster will enjoy these trees for many years to come, and even think of perhaps visiting Japan or working to further promote understanding of Japanese culture in the future."
In reponse, Dr. George said, "Your initiatives for the Sakura Project are inspirational. Please be assured that your efforts are making a positive difference to enhancing friendships between the people of Japan and Canada, and specifically those of us at McMaster University."