A new landmark of friendship
On July 20, the resort town of Birštonas celebrated the grand opening of a breathtaking new public space – the Sakura Park. Located next to the “Versmė” sanatorium and the town’s picturesque ponds, this park stands as a living monument to the deep friendship and mutual respect between Lithuania and Japan, as well as the partner cities of Birštonas and Kaga.
An event of international significance
The inauguration ceremony was a prestigious event, drawing distinguished guests from both nations. Dignitaries included Dr. Aurelijus Zykas, the Lithuanian Ambassador to Japan, and Takashi Niinuma, Chargé d’affaires ad interim of the Embassy of Japan in Lithuania. They were joined by Hirobumi Matsuzawa, Chairman of the Sakura Association, and a delegation from the Japanese Embassy.
Hosting the event were Birštonas Mayor Nijolė Dirginčienė and other municipal leaders. In his welcoming address, Ambassador Zykas emphasized the unique connection between the two countries, reminding attendees that Birštonas is one of only four Lithuanian cities to have forged official partnership agreements with municipalities in Japan.
A blossoming future
Mayor Nijolė Dirginčienė extended her sincere thanks to the embassies and the Sakura Association for the generous gift of cherry trees. She highlighted that the park is set to become a major new attraction for both residents and visitors, a beautiful space where the friendship between the nations can be seen blossoming with each passing year.
Following the official ceremony, the guests enjoyed a tour of Birštonas’s most famous sites, including Kneipp Park and Vytautas Jurgis Meška Park. With hopes to add even more sakura trees this year, the new park promises that the bond between Lithuania and Japan will continue to flourish for years to come.
