The Red Sox have had a unique relationship with Japan and its people, and that relationship will continue to flourish on Monday night.
The Consul General of Japan will present the Red Sox with a cherry tree during a pregame ceremony at Fenway Park on Monday prior to the Sox-Mariners game. The presentation is part of the Greater Boston-Japan Cherry Blossom Festival, marking the 100th anniversary of Japan's original gift of 3,000 cherry trees from mayor of Tokyo, Yukio Ozaki, to Washington, DC in 1912.
The gift is also a sign of gratitude and thanks from the Japanese people toward the Americans for continued help in the relief efforts from the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Boston was thoroughly involved in those efforts, including help from the Red Sox, particularly players of Japanese descent. The Red Sox Foundation donated $1.3 million to the cause, including donations from Daisuke Matsuzaka (for $1 million) as well as Hideki Okajima and Junichi Tuzawa.
The cherry tree will be planted inside of the gates of Fenway Park before being placed on Yawkey Way.
