Cherries, Lanterns, and Gates: Japanese and Japanese-American Cultural Gifts in Seattle's Parks

In 1884, the first Japanese immigrant arrived in Seattle and Seattle's first park was established. This book examines the relationships between Japan, Seattle, and Seattle's Japanese-American community through the lens of Japanese cultural gifts found in Seattle's parks and other public spaces. From the opening of Japan to the establishment of the NYK line between Seattle and Yokohama, to cherry tree diplomacy, to internment and post-war relations, these events left their marks on Seattle's parks , providing opportunities to explore Nikkei history while exploring nature and art in Seattle. The book also contains a short introduction to the botany and ethnobotany of cherries and the practice of hanami, or cherry blossom viewing.