Ipoh Japanese Garden Relaunch Ceremony

In conjunction with the 30th anniversary of the Ipoh-Fukuoka sister city programme, and as a reciprocal visit, a 7-member delegation from Fukuoka, Japan, led by Mayor Takashima Soichiro was in Ipoh earlier this week.

Fukuoka Mayor Takashima Soichiro (centre) is shown the layout of the Japanese Garden

On the itinerary included a tour of the newly upgraded Japanese Garden at DR Park (DR Seenivasagam Recreational Park). The delegation was accompanied by Ipoh Mayor Dato’ Ahmad Suaidi Abdul Rahim and Ipoh City Councillors.

Ipoh City Mayor Dato' Ahmad Suaidi Abdul Rahim signs the plaque — Ipoh City Mayor Dato’ Ahmad Suaidi Abdul Rahim signs the plaque

Upgrading of the 1.2 hectare park took one year to complete. The garden landscape was handled by the Landscape Department of the Ipoh City Council, under the expert advice of the Fukuoka Local Government.

presentation of memento by Ipoh Mayor Dato' Ahmad Suaidi Abdul Rahim (R) to Fukuoka Mayor Takashima Soichiro (L) — presentation of memento by Ipoh Mayor Dato’ Ahmad Suaidi Abdul Rahim (R) to Fukuoka Mayor Takashima Soichiro (L)

The Japanese Garden was first opened on 30th June, 1995, by the then Ipoh Mayor Ahmad Salleh Sarif along with former Mayor Dato’ Umar Abu in the presence of the treasurer of the Fukuoka City Council, Watanabe, who represented the Fukuoka Mayor.

Known as “mini Japanese Garden” among the locals, it was established following the signing of the agreement between Ipoh and Fukuoka on 21st March, 1989, as Twin Cities.

planting of 'Tabebuia rosea' tree — planting of ‘Tabebuia rosea’ tree

To symbolically relaunch the park and to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Ipoh-Fukuoka Twin Cities status, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was conducted by the Mayor of both cities. During the 30-minute tour of the garden, both dignitaries planted a ‘Tabebuia rosea’ tree to seal the friendship between Ipoh and Fukuoka.