Upcoming Events
Special days or events related to the cherry blossom will be shared and posted here.
Ceremony Confers Consul-General’s Commendation to Mr. Steven “Sakura Steve” Joniak
On April 29, 2025, a ceremony to confer the Consul-General’s Commendation to Mr. Steven Joniak was held at the official residence of the Consul-General of Japan in Toronto. Mr. Joniak, also known as "Sakura Steve”, provides updates every year through his popular website SakurainHighPark.com on how close the Sakura cherry blossoms are to blooming in High Park. His predictions help the people of Toronto plan their springtime outings and are often cited by such media as BlogTO, CityTV and the CBC. At the ceremony, Consul-General Matsunaga Takeshi commended Mr. Joniak for his remarkable contributions toward mutual understanding and friendship between Japan and the Province of Ontario, Canada. In attendance were: Member of Provincial Parliament Alexa Gilmour, (Parkdale-High Park); His Worship Frank Scarpitti, Mayor of Markham; Deputy Mayor Godwin Chan of Richmond Hill, representatives of the City of Toronto, and other leading figures related to Sakura. Consul-General's congratulatory speech is here.
See the full story here - link - https://www.toronto.ca.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/11_000001_00796.html
Commemorative Ceremony Held Marking the 60th Anniversary of the Sakura Donation to High Park and the Enthronement of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan
On April 28, 2019, in Toronto’s High Park, the Consulate-General of Japan held the Commemorative Ceremony for the 60th Anniversary of the Sakura Donation to High Park and the Enthronement of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan. This ceremony included the planting of new Sakura (Japanese Flowering cherry) trees to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the 1959 donation of Sakura trees by the citizens of Tokyo to the citizens of Toronto, and to wish for further development of the already fruitful friendship between Japan and Toronto. Consul-General of Japan Takako Ito took part in the ceremonial planting along with His Worship John Tory, the Mayor of Toronto, as well as local Canadian Federal MP Arif Virani and local Ontario MPP Bhutila Karpoche. There also were performances by the traditional Japanese music ensemble Ten Ten and the Sakuramai dance group. The Toronto Chapter of the Urasenke Tankokai held a demonstration of an outdoor tea ceremony.
link - https://www.toronto.ca.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/b_000353.html