Cherry Blossoms

In April 1959, the Japanese ambassador to Canada, Toru-Hagiwara, presented 2000 Somei-yoshino sakura trees to Toronto citizens on behalf of Tokyo citizens. The trees were planted in appreciation of Toronto accepting re-located Japanese-Canadians following the Second World War¹.

Last Friday we joined our walking group through High Park to follow the Japanese traditional custom of hanami or “flower viewing”, which dates back to the Nara Period (710-794).

1. “Cherry Blossom History.” 2023. High Park Nature Centre. April 3, 2023. https://highparknaturecentre.com/cherry-blossom-history/.
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