Prior to the tree planting ceremony on 18 May 2011, children paraded in the morning carrying a big flag. Before the parade, they were informed about the Kaki Tree Project by Mr. Foletti Francesco of Consorzio Tavolo Della Pace Franciacorta-Monte Orfano and heard Mr. Ebinuma’s speech. The parade started from the big lawn in the park, took the long path in the park, passed through the town and arrived at the school. At the entrance of school building, a large kaki tree drawing was displayed and many small origami cranes, which were made by all the participants at the workshop on the day before, 17 May, were put in a basket. Everybody had lunch at the school and then the parade resumed. From here, the parade was led by police and approached the town center. A child mayor and Mr. Ebinuma joined the parade and walked in the front of the big flag that was written PACE. Children who were around the big flag and other children in the back held small PACE flags. They cheerfully arrived at the school, the planting site, despite the temperature exceeding 30 degrees Celsius.
At the school, there was a violin and clarinet performance and many people including the mayor were waiting there. They gave a big welcome when the children arrived.
A representative’s speech was followed by another musical performance, principal’s speech, performance of the national anthem of Japan, mayor’ speech, Mr. Francesco’ speech and Mr. Ebinuma’s speech. Then children recited poems, performed a dance, a song, another dance, recited Japanese a poem and the child mayor gave a speech. Children tried very hard and their performance were very nice.
Six pupil representatives put soil over the kaki seedling’s roots.
People involved in the local bread festival also took part in the event and they presented bread they baked to the mayor and Mr. Ebinuma. All the participants sang together the national anthem of Italy and took a group photo around the tree, and the great ceremony was concluded. Even after the ceremony, children asked to take photos and shake hands with Mr. Ebinuma.
