(From L to R) Koji Nakamura, Hiroshi Hattori, Ambassador Ebihara, Mayor Alex Karmel and Abbess Seikan Fushimi. Image: Kuniko Kamioka

On 23rd May, a ceremony was held in London¡Çs Hammersmith Park to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Japan-British Exhibition and the 50th anniversary of the Nippon Club in London.

In 1910, the Japan-British Exhibition was held in White City. The event attracted over six million visitors, introducing Japan to the British people and promoting friendly relations between our two countries. One of its highlights was a Japanese garden, now part of Hammersmith Park. The garden was finally revived this spring thanks to the efforts of the Hammersmith and Fulham Council with support from the Japan-British Exhibition 100 Committee, the Nippon Club and a Japanese NPO, Environmental Restoration, along with many other volunteers.

At the ceremony, HE Ambassador Shin Ebihara extended his gratitude to the people who had participated in the restoration project and expressed his hope that the historical links in this corner of London would continue to flourish in the years to come. Mayor Alex Karmel of the Hammersmith and Fulham Council voiced his appreciation of the efforts of the Japanese community which had made this renovation possible. Mr Hiroshi Hattori, the chairman of the Nippon Club, looked forward to celebrating the centenary of the Nippon Club ¡Æ50 years later¡Ç.

The ceremony was followed by a Japanese Garden Party at the site, with various activities including a tea ceremony demonstration and a taiko performance.