The Kyoto Kamogawa Lions Club was formed in 1963, and began planting weeping cherry trees two years later in 1965. They have been planted every year since then, and by 1965, the number had reached 74, the same as it is today.
We have continued to work to replace damaged trees and nurture them, and this year marks the 54th year of our efforts. Our company works in cooperation with the Lions Club and the Kyoto Prefectural Civil Engineering Office, and is able to provide whatever small assistance we can, mainly through on-site work.
On September 4th of last year, Typhoon No. 21 caused extensive damage.
Seven trees were downed, 40 of the 50 cherry trellises collapsed, and large branches and twigs were scattered everywhere, marking the greatest crisis in the park’s 53-year history.
However, with the Lions Club president leading the discussions, saying, “It is times like these that our very existence is put to the test. Let’s make next spring’s cherry blossom viewing a success,” we discussed the matter with the Kyoto Prefectural Civil Engineering Office and divided up the responsibilities.
The Lions Club was responsible for replanting damaged trees and caring for broken branches, while the Kyoto Prefectural Civil Engineering Office was responsible for restoring the cherry blossom trellis.
The tree was replanted in February, and a tree-planting ceremony was held in March with the Vice Governor of Kyoto Prefecture and others in attendance.
On April 6th and 7th, members of the Lions Club and our company employees joined the general public who came to view the cherry blossoms to raise funds for the development of weeping cherry trees.
In order to restore the cherry blossom trellis that was destroyed by Typhoon 21, we received a request to create a trellis that would not corrode or break easily, instead of the bamboo that had been used until now. In response to this request, we came up with a trellis made of iron pipes and aluminum-coated bamboo, and the Kyoto Prefectural Civil Engineering Office is currently installing it.
