On November 1^st, 2023, Saitama City Mayor Shimizu Hayato and Scott Sadler, Executive Branch Manager of the National Arboretum Canberra, signed a memorandum of understanding declaring the Omiya Bonsai Art Museum and the National Arboretum Canberra as Sister Institutions. Many attended the signing, such as Australian Ambassador to Japan Justin Hayhurst.

The ceremony for the signing of the memorandum of understanding was held in front of the Omiya Bonsai Art Museum’s most famous bonsai, the Japanese white pine named “Higurashi”. This bonsai was taken from the mountains (also known as yamadori) and placed into a pot over 90 years ago. While passing through the hands and being cared for by numerous famous bonsai artists, it never lost the wild feeling which comes from bonsai taken from the mountains. It has been trained into an elegant form, turning it into a valuable bonsai which has left its mark on the history of bonsai.

Executive Branch Manager Scott Sadler and Mayor Hayato Shimizu each gave speeches throughout the ceremony.

   
Executive Branch Manager Scott Sadler (left) and Mayor Hayato Shimizu (right) signing the memorandum of understanding.

Executive Branch Manager Scott Sadler (left), Australian Ambassador to Japan Justin Hayhurst (center), and Saitama City Mayor Hayato Shimizu (right), shaking hands.

Commemorative photo of all the participants.

We received a congratulatory address from the Australian Ambassador to Japan Justin Hayhurst during the reception after the ceremony regarding his hopes for this partnership. 

We also received a presentation from Executive Branch Manager Scott Sadler and presented commemorative gifts to the Australian Ambassador to Japan Justin Hayhurst.

Saitama City Mayor Hayato Shimizu presenting a commemorative gift to the Australian Ambassador to Japan Justin Hayhurst.

【National Arboretum Canberra】

Located around 6km away from the city of Canberra, the National Arboretum Canberra is one of the world’s largest arboreta. In its over 250-hectare site, the arboretum is home to over 44,000 rare and endangered trees. Every year the arboretum receives over 500,000 visitors.

There are many facilities available at the National Arboretum Canberra, including the National Bonsai and Penjing Collection of Australia, which is known as a central facility of the arboretum. 

National Bonsai and Penjing Collection of Australia Website: https://www.nationalarboretum.act.gov.au/living-collections/national-bonsai-and-penjing-collection-of-australia

National Arboretum Canberra Website: https://www.nationalarboretum.act.gov.au/home