Aoyama Tree Designation Ceremony, July 17, 2008
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On July 17, 2008, the Aoyama Tree in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles, was designated Historic Cultural Monument No. 920 by the City of Los Angeles. In attendance at the ceremony were the city dignitaries, Koyasan Buddhist Temple members, and Little Tokyo community activists who campaigned for official recognition for the tree. The Aoyama Tree is the first living object to receive this designation from the city.
The tree, a Moreton Bay Fig, stands at the former site of the Koyasan Buddhist Temple. It was planted in 1920 and is named for Koyasan mission's founder, Rev. Shutai Aoyama.
Slides in this album |
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HistoryClick on the photo to view a flyer from the event describing the history of the Aoyama Tree and Koyasan Buddhist Temple.
The Aoyama Tree |
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Rev. Aoyama with tree, 1920Rev. Aoyama, the founder of the Koyasan Buddhist Temple mission, poses in front of the temple in 1920, soon after the tree was planted.
1920 Koyasan Temple |
lthistory
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Historic Cultural Monument dedication ceremony, 2008.Although the Aoyama Tree continues to grow at its original location, the landscape around it has changed. The former commercial street is now an art park featuring the Japanese American Museum, the National Center for the Preservation of Democracy, and the Geffen Museum of Contemporary Art (visible in background). On …
Aoyama Tree Dedication Ceremony, July 17, 2008 |
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Bishop Taisen Miyata and Reverend Shinyu SatoBishop Taisen Miyata and Reverend Shinyu Sato, both of Koyasan, begin the ceremony with prayers.
Rev. Taisen Miyaya and Rev. Shinyu Sato at the Aoyama Tree, Los Angeles |
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Goeika PoemKoyasan's Eiyu-Kai, accompanied by Bishop Miyata and Rev. Sato, chant a Goeika Poem.
Goeika Poem Chanting by Koyasan's Eiyu-Kai, Los Angeles |
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President Frances NakamuraTemple President Frances Nakamura addresses the audience.
Frances Nakamura, Koyasan Temple President |
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Presentation of the certificateGreg Fischer, deputy director from Council District 9, presents a certificate of recognition to representatives of Little Tokyo Historical Society and Koyasan Buddhist Temple.
Presentation of Historic Cultural Monument, Little Tokyo, Los Angeles |
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(left to right): David Nagano, Deanna Matsumoto, Bill Watanabe, Kiku Harada, Bishop Miyata, and Rev. Shinyu with the certificate of recognition.
Aoyama Tree Dedication Ceremony, Los Angeles California. |
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Television personality Huell Howser (right) recorded the ceremony for California's Gold.
Deanna Mastumoto, Huell Howser, and Shofu Shohara |
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Jack KunitomiJack Kunitomi, 92, stands at the base of the Aoyama tree. Kunitomi remembers climbing the Aoyama Tree as a boy living in the neighborhood more than eighty years ago.
Jack Kunitomi at the Aoyama Tree, Los Angeles |
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Koyasan in the PresentThe facade of the Koyasan Buddhist Temple at its new location at 342 East First Street in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles, California.
Koyasan Temple 2006 |
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PresentToday the tree continues to shade the area that was formally First Street North, towering over the new National Center for the Preservation of Democracy (left).
Aoyama Tree from the Museum, August 2008 |
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community history
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Last modified Jun 28 2021 1:49 a.m.
Aoyama Tree Designation Ceremony, July 17, 2008
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