Officials of Everett and Iwakuni, Japan, celebrated 40 years as sister cities Friday by dedicating a bridge that represents the strong link between the two communities.
The bridge, made from pieces of the 330-year-old Kintai Bridge in Iwakuni, is the centerpiece of the new Japanese garden at the Nippon Business Institute at Everett Community College.
Made from Japanese pine, Hinoki cypress and zelkova wood, the bridge was assembled by Iwakuni artisans also engaged in rebuilding the Kintai Bridge.
Katsusuke Ihara, Iwakuni mayor, called the Everett version "a newborn baby" of his community’s famous bridge, adding, "Our relationship will be strengthened by this new bridge."
Joining Ihara in Everett was Tadihiro Abe, consul general of Japan in Seattle.
The institute’s new garden, which was paid for by donations of money and labor and some money from Snohomish County’s hotel-motel tax fund, is intended to further the work of the institute.
Among other things, the institute helps train local business people how to do business in Japan, and promotes a better understanding of Japanese culture. In addition to the garden, the center also has an authentic Japanese tearoom for ceremonies.
Institute director Mayumi Smith said Friday’s dedication ceremonies had special meaning because they "finally bring to completion a dream I first had over 10 years ago."
In addition to the wooden bridge, the garden includes a special entry gate and fence, a waterfall and stream, stone and earthen bridges, Japanese pines, a rock garden and other traditional elements.
Everett Mayor Frank Anderson suggested the new garden will become a popular attraction.
"It’s an oasis we can be very proud of," he said. "It will be a popular place for walks, contemplation and reflection."
While substantially complete, some work — including additional plantings — remains to be done. Elizabeth Newland of the garden’s advisory committee said the institute will be looking for volunteers to help complete the garden, maintain it and help with conducting tours.
Interested volunteers may call the institute at 425-388-9195.
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