SAKURA MANBON PROJECT
The Japan Society of Fairfield County is engaged in a project to build connections and community between the US and Japan - Sakura Manbon.
Sakura (桜、さくら) means Japanese Cherry Blossom. It is the national flower of Japan, a harbinger of spring whose fleeting blossoms represent the fragility of life. They are a symbol of renewal and optimism. Manbon（万）means 10,000, which is a figurative way to say “many!” Sakura Manbon will be a highway of cherry blossoms spreading beauty and hope across and connecting our communities.
In May 2021, the JSFC replaced a tree in New Canaan’s Mead Park along the Memorial Gold Star Walk honoring residents lost in WWII with a cherry blossom tree. We’re grateful that so many from the local community came together to support our effort.
After that we worked on raising funds to plant an allée of 22 Japanese Higan Cherry Blossom trees at the Jay Heritage Center in Rye, NY, childhood home of peacemaker and Founding Father John Jay. JSFC successfully raised the $15,000 needed for this project, and on June 14, 2022 we presented it to the Jay Heritage Center.
1838 Jay Mansion
JSFC president Jackie Alexander presenting check to Jay Heritage Center Executive Director Kevin Peraino.
June 14, 2022 was the official opening of the newly revitalized Jay Estate Gardens. Many friends and supporters of the Jay Heritage Center were present for the ribbon cutting ceremony. Guests toured the revitalized gardens. For more, see https://www.newyorksocialdiary.com/jay-heritage-centers-official-opening-of-the-newly-revitalized-jay-estate-gardens/
Ribbon cutting ceremony
JSFC board members Yoshie Ito and Diane Caminis with spouses Michael Strauss and Perry Caminis
The 22 Higan Sakura Cherry Blossom trees arrived at Jay Heritage at the end of April, 2024. They are ready for planting in time for JHC's spring opening on Saturday, May 4th (I Love My Parks day), See JSFC's Facebook post for more pictures:
Also an 8-second video of our trees, lined up before planting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1c-Wh-J28TM
We invite you to join us in building our highway of cherry blossoms. With the generous leadership of the board and longtime members we raised over $15,000. If you would like to be involved in planning the dedication ceremony or leading future Sakura Manbon projects, we are looking for additional committee members and ideas to expand this initiative. (Email us at info@japansocietyfc.org)
To donate, click on the cherry blossom below, and you will be taken to a Paypal page. Or you may send a check (made out to Japan Society of Fairfield County) to: JSFC, Attn: Nancy Beck, Treasurer, 1 Hobby Drive, Ridgefield CT 06877. Write “Sakura Manbon” on the memo line or enclose a note.
