The Department of Japanese Studies (JAS) celebrated its 20th anniversary by joining New Asia College (NA) to plant 20 cherry trees on the College’s campus on 28 February. The event assembled about 100 friends of the College and JAS, representatives from the Japanese business community, as well as staff and students, at the Pavilion of Harmony to welcome the arrival of the cherry trees to the campus.

The ceremony was officiated by Prof. Joseph J.Y. Sung, Vice-Chancellor; Mr. Daisuke Matsunaga, Deputy Consul-General of Japan in Hong Kong; Mr. and Mrs. Mike Mizoguchi, president of MRT (HK) Co. Ltd.; Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Chao, vice-chairman of Novel Enterprises Ltd.; Prof. Henry N.C. Wong, Pro-Vice-Chancellor; Mr. Leung Ying-wai, chairman, Board of Trustees of NA; Prof. Chu Ka-hou, acting head of NA; Prof. Fung Tung, Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor; Prof. Leung Yuen-sang, dean, Faculty of Arts; Prof. Lynne Nakano, chairman, JAS; and Prof. Takanori Kitamura of JAS.

Cherry blossoms mark the arrival of spring—a season of hope and opportunity. ‘The trees will fully integrate with the Pavilion and the beautiful campus of CUHK to reflect the harmony between man and nature. When the trees blossom, all students at CUHK—including those who haven’t had a chance to study in Japan—can enjoy hanami (or “flower viewing”) on campus,’ said Professor Sung in his welcoming remark.