The Friends of the Japanese Garden of Peace were joined by residents, local organisations, representatives from the Japanese Embassy, and H&F Deputy Mayor Cllr Daryl Brown last week to unveil Hammersmith Park's new Japanese gate.
Found in White City, the wooden structure is the latest addition to the park's Japanese Garden of Peace, the oldest publicly owned Japanese garden in the UK.
At the unveiling attendees heard from the Friends, Mr Yasuyuki Okazaki, Minister for Public Diplomacy and Media from the Japanese Embassy, and Mr Yokinobu Nakano, Vice Chair for the Nippon Club.
Live music was also performed by Taiko drummers and a choir from the Nippon Club sang. Guests also enjoyed Onigiri from Shepherds Bush Market trader Sosaku Onigiri and toasted with traditional Japanese Sake.
Generous donation
The gate was made possible by founder of the Friends and current chair, John Gordon-Smith, who funded the installation.
He joined Cllr Brown and Mr Yasuyuki Okazak in cutting the gate's ribbon on Friday, which has been formally named "John's Gate".
Cllr Daryl Brown, said:
Hammersmith Park's Japanese garden is one of our many beautiful green spaces. It's amazing that it's still here 114 years after its construction and the new gate is a lovely way to celebrate its history and importance. If you're in White City, don't forget to visit our little slice of Japan – you won't regret it."
Long history
Built in 1910 from materials imported from Japan, the Japanese garden was part of an exhibition celebrating the 1902-1923 Anglo-Japanese Alliance.
Despite development of the area – including the BBC Television Centre and White City Housing Estate – the garden has not moved and still occupies its original spot.
A big year for Hammersmith Park
The gate is the latest in a series of improvements for Hammersmith Park.
In July we opened a free, accessible outdoor gym at the park and in October we unveiled refurbished basketball and tennis courts.
The improvements included resurfacing, painting and reconfiguring the courts to provide more room for players.
