Embedded Files
Students participating in ceremonial planting of cherry tree
at the Greenwich Japanese School
JSFC DONATES TREE TO GJS
Friday, April 10, 2026
The Japan Society of Fairfield County (JSFC) donated a cherry blossom tree to the Greenwich Japanese School (GJS) in honor of their 50th anniversary. In addition to the school's anniversary, the planting also commemorates America's 250th birthday. There was a ceremonial planting of the tree, attended by the school's students, GJS Principal Keisaku Morimoto, JSFC President Jackie Alexander, Vice-President Takaya Kurimoto, Dr. Robert Brody and Ginny Waters of JSFC.
To see a video and short news story by News 12 CT, go HERE.
JSFC President Jackie Alexander gave the following speech:
Minasan, ohayogozaimasu. Good morning.
My name is Jackie Alexander, and I am honored to be here today as the President of the Japan Society of Fairfield County. We are here to celebrate a truly remarkable milestone: the 50th anniversary of this institution.
For half a century, this school has served as a vital bridge. While you follow the rigorous Japanese academic system, you are doing something even larger—you are learning to be citizens of the world. You are part of the vibrant fabric of our community: St Catherine’s, Greenwich, Fairfield County, Connecticut, the New York area and beyond, blending the values of the Japanese educational system and cultural heritage with the global perspectives needed for the future.
The Japan Society of Greater Fairfield County’s mission is to build bridges by fostering knowledge and mutual understanding between Japan and the US. On behalf of the Japan Society, we are pleased to commemorate this school’s legacy and golden anniversary with a gift to be used however you wish in this celebration. It is fitting that one of which is the planting of this Sakura, a beautiful Yoshino cherry blossom tree.
In Japan, the Sakura is revered as its nation’s flower; it is a symbol of renewal, hope, and the ephemeral (or fleeting beauty) of life. Its blooming reminds us to cherish the present moment and the growth that comes with each passing year.
The cherry blossom also honors a profound history. Over a century ago, the people of Japan gifted thousands of cherry trees to America as a gesture of lasting friendship between our two nations. These trees are a feature attraction particularly this time of year in Washington, D.C.
2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the United States. To honor this, as you know, Japan is gifting an additional 250 trees to our nation’s capital. And, locally, our Society has joined other CT Japan Societies in the America250 to plant trees across Connecticut, connecting Boston to New York. So, one more way to connect this school.
To the students: you are a vital part of this legacy. As this tree grows, so will your roots in this community and your reach into the world. There is a saying: "To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow." By placing this tree at this entrance, we are expressing the belief in you and our tomorrow. And, as you walk past these blossoms in the years to come.
May you find inspiration in the haiku by the great Japanese poet, Kobayashi Issa:
In the cherry blossom’s shade / there’s no such thing / as a stranger.
Let this tree be a reminder to build relationships, to welcome the "stranger," and to continue fostering the incredible bond between Japan and the United States.
Congratulations on 50 wonderful years.
Thank you. Yoroshiku onegai itashimasu.
Page updated
Report abuse