Columbus cherry blossom memorial receives donation

The Columbus Park Foundation has received a donation from a Japanese family with strong community ties to the city of Columbus to help maintain and grow cherry blossom trees in the community.

The city announced yesterday that the Haga family has made the donation to support the trees, in memory of the late Chairman Akio Haga. The donation will ensure the long‑term care and maintenance of the cherry blossom trees on the NexusPark Midtown Green and support the planting of additional cherry blossom trees.

Iichiro Haga, president of Toyo Corp., was in Columbus this week and announced the donation on behalf of Toyo through member company Precision Tool Service Inc. In 2023, Haga dedicated the cherry blossom trees at NexusPark in memory of his brother and former Toyo president Shojiro Haga who spent more time in Columbus than in any other city outside Japan.

Mayor Mary Ferdon presented Haga with a collage by local artist Bob Anderson and Haga presented an ornate plate adorned with cherry blossoms. According to the city, in Japanese culture, cherry blossoms represent renewal and the beauty of life.

Photo above: Iichiro Haga, president of Toyo Corporation, with a collage displaying iconic City of Columbus landmarks. Photos courtesy of City of Columbus