JGCT is a grateful recipient of 30 lovely sakura trees from Consul-General of Japan, Mr. Tetsuo Yamashita and the Sakura Project. The trees were planted by church volunteers on Saturday, April 10, 2010.

A ceremony, to unveil the plaque commemorating this gift, with the participation of Consul- General of Japan, Tetsuo Yamashita, took place on Saturday, April 17, 2010 at 10:30 am. on the front lawn of the Japanese Gospel Church of Toronto.

The ceremony began with the playing of the National Anthems of Canada and Japan. Consul- General, Tetsuo Yamashita addressed the audience with a brief bilingual message. The sakura trees represent friendship and goodwill between Japan and Canada. Pastor Haruo Sato followed with words of acceptance and appreciation. The unveiling of the plaque and a symbolic sakura tree planting also took place.

Providentially, the occasion coincides with the 50th Anniversary of the Japanese Gospel Church of Toronto.

Light refreshments followed in the spacious foyer of the church.