Higashimatsuyama City is actively engaging in environmental conservation together with local residents in projects with the theme “Revitalization of community and nature” such as making a home for fireflies. Karako district, where the home for fireflies is in place and “Ten no sono (The Garden of Heaven),” one of Muraji Uchiki’s children’s literature, is set in. Karako Primary School with a history of more than 130 years, Karako Central Park and the Maruki Gallery for the Hiroshima Panels are also located in the district, which is blessed with the precious resources, so people can learn about environment and peace.
Mr. Toshihiko Kato who works at the environment conservation department of Higashimatsuyama city government watched the tree planting at Hara Museum Arc broadcast in a news program on NHK in 2005 and that was how he got to know the Kaki Tree Project. He learned that children in the community can directly get involved in the project, so he applied for it. Karako Central Park, where local people get together, was chosen as the planting site as well as Karako Primary School.
Prior to the tree planting ceremony, all the pupils of Karako Primary School gathered in the gym in the morning to listen to the talks by the principal and Mr. Ebinuma. Mr. Ebinuma and Tatsuo Miyajima also gave lectures to local people of Higashimatsuyama City at the Karako Community Center.
Two third grade classes moved to Karako Central Park and attended the tree planting ceremony held in the park. Children prepared for the ceremony in pairs by placing the bamboos with pictures drawn on them that were made during the delivery workshop conducted by the Maruki Gallery for the Hiroshima Panels prior to the ceremony.
The ceremony started off with an address made by chairman Suzuki of Heartpia, Karako District Town Development Council.After the introduction of people involved, a child on behalf of Karako Primary School announced the name for the tree. The tree planted in Karako Central Park is named “Kaki Taro.” They named the tree after Momotaro, a Japanese folk tale hero, wishing the tree to grow strongly like Momotaro. As children covered the tree with soil, they said to the tree “Grow well!.”
Also, children gave presents of origami persimmon fruits to adults and lastly children of Karako Primay School presented the song “Echo of Peace” , a filk song of “I’ve been Working on the Railroad” with choreography as a song of celebration. It was a wonderful ceremony with cheerful voices of children echoed throughout.
Karako Primary School still continues to conduct workshops related to the project a few times a year.
