PHOTO BY ERIK AULT

Friday, April 14, 2023; Brookside Reservation, 3900 John Nagy Blvd: A blossoming branch of a sakura at the Brookside Reservation, gives hope of another spring coming to Cleveland. The sakura, also known as the Japanese cherry blossom, is the national tree of Japan and was given to Cleveland as a gift from the Japanese Association of Northeast Ohio.

by Erik Ault

   Spring is heralded every year in Brookside reservation by the recurring blossoming of the sakura, known in English as the cherry blossom. The sakura is the symbolic tree of Japan where springtime is considered the start of a new year. The sakura is among the first trees to blossom, signaling rebirth and renewal. But how did these trees get from Japan to Cleveland? Chiaki Nakayama of the Japanese Association of Northeast Ohio (JANO) shared the story.

   The JANO was started in 1991, and by 1996, the small group had wanted to give something back to Cleveland as an expression of gratitude for the hospitality. They decided on special gifts that would return every year to greet Cleveland to a new spring: the blossoming of the sakura. But where to plant them proved challenging.

            The JANO was looking for a place where people could gather. At the same time, the Brookside Reservation of the Metroparks was looking to expand. Given its space and middle location between the east and west sides, the Reservation was the perfect location to create a green gathering spot not just for the Japanese community but for any group wanting to meet outdoors. The JANO brought their proposal to the Metroparks who agreed to care for the maintenance of the trees.

   Twelve trees, specifically the yoshino variety, were planted first in 1996. The Metroparks continued planting new trees and maintaining them until seven years later, when they reached 100 sakura. To commemorate this, the Metroparks placed a stone monument at the site of the original trees.

   From 2012 to 2016, the JANO operated a Sakura for the Earth fund, which was funded by regional Japanese businesses. This allowed for the planting of even more trees, which now number close to 200. The Metroparks still maintains the trees. Whenever one dies, the Metroparks replaces it. Being ornamental in nature, these trees are also rather delicate and face threats from strong wind or deer eating saplings. Furthermore, although the trees are small enough to climb, the JANO requests that people resist the temptation because this damages the branches.

   The blossoming of the sakura is temporary. But according to Chiaki, this is what makes them beautiful. This concept is called mono no aware, which describes the Japanese sensibility to the momentary nature of beauty. The flowers will eventually fall by summer, and the tree will lose its leaves by wintertime. But come spring, after every Cleveland winter, the sakura will re-blossom as a yearly expression of gratitude of the Japanese residents to their community.