The cherry blossoms represent the presence of Japanese culture across the globe
It is noteworthy that the company “Ltintus” initiated the planting of the cherry blossom (Japanese cherry) garden in 2020, the same year that in Lithuania was announced to honor the contributions of Japanese Vice Consul Chiune Sugihara. During World War II, Ch. Sugihara, alongside Dutch Honorary Consul Jan Zwartendijk, issued transit visas to Jewish Lithuanians, thus allowing them to flee to safety.
Three years ago, 30 Japanese cherry trees were introduced to the landscape of Dainai Park. “Ltintus” Director Mr. Karolis Grigalius was delighted that this project in Šiauliai contributed to the environmental program “One Window - One Tree” overseen by the U.S. company “INTUS WINDOWS”.
The 30 cherry trees planted in 2020 were just the beginning of the garden. The Šiauliai community and foreign guests gathered in the Dainai Park again a year later and planted another 30 of these decorative trees. At that time, the Ambassador of Japan Mr. Ozaki Tetsu expressed his satisfaction with this meaningful work and its ability to connect Šiauliai with the wider world.
In 2022, Lithuania and Japan celebrated the 100th anniversary of countries’ diplomatic relations
Warm relations between the two countries have been nurtured since 1922, when the Japanese government signed the recognition act of the Republic of Lithuania.
This year, Šiauliai city Mayor Mr. Artūras Visockas invited Ambassadors from the Embassies of Japan, the Netherlands, the United States, Israel, and Germany to plant the final cherry blossom trees in Dainai Park together.
“I am delighted that countries so far apart can enjoy warm friendship. These cherry blossoms represent Japanese culture in Šiauliai and Lithuania. To celebrate the 101st year of friendship, we decided to plant another 41 Japanese cherry trees. When we complete the garden, it will have 101 cherry trees, and this symbolism will bring joy to the people of Šiauliai for many years,” Mayor Artūras Visockas announced.
Dutch and Japanese consuls who saved thousands of lives
The Cherry Blossom Park will be completed on October 27, with honored guests contributing to the planting of the cherry trees. Among them will be Mrs. Hadas Wittenberg Silverstein, H.E. Ambassador of Israel to Lithuania; Mr. Cornelius Zimmermann, H.E. Ambassador of Germany to Lithuania; Mr. Tamir G.Waser, the Charge d’affaires of the Embassy of the USA to Lithuania; Mr. Jack R. Twiss Quarles van Ufford, H.E. Ambassador of Netherlands to Lithuania; and Mr. Ozaki Tetsu, H.E. Ambassador of Japan to Lithuania as well as H.E. Eugenijus Bartulis, Šiauliai Bishop and Šiauliai Jewish community, Head of European Commission Representation in Lithuania, Marius Vaščega.
Before planting the cherry blossoms, the guests will be invited to visit Chaim Frenkel's villa, where they will watch the film, “Kaunas - Gateway of Hope.” The film tells the story of two prominent individuals who resided in Lithuania: Dutch Honorary Consul Jan Zwartendijk and Japanese Vice Consul Chiune Sugihara.
Honorary Consul Jan Zwartendijk actively engaged in saving Jewish lives during his duty time in Lithuania. Much like Chiune Sugihara, he too helped thousands of Jews flee Lithuania during World War II. The Dutch Honorary Consul in Kaunas issued “Curaçao visas” to Jews, and those who received them later turned to Japanese Vice Consul Ch. Sugihara, who issued transit visas for Japan.
The exact number of Jews these men rescued from the harsh consequences of the Holocaust remains uncertain, but it is estimated that as many as 10,000 lives were saved.
After the film screening, A. Visockas and guests, along with Genovaite Dugniene who holds the title of the Righteous among the Nations, will visit the Square of the Righteous among the Nations – the first monument of its kind in Lithuania, established in Šiauliai’s former Ghetto neighborhood.
