Twinning of cities: Morioka Japan & Victoria

A gray-black granite monolith was erected near Finlayson Point on Dallas Road marking the twinning of Morioka, Japan and Victoria on May 23, 1985. It is surrounded by a metal fence. Japanese writing is inscribed on the west side of the large coffin-like rectangle. On the east side is this message: “Placed here May 23, 1985. Commemorating the twinning of Morioka, Japan and Victoria and to the memory of Dr. Inazo Nitobe. Mayor Daizo Ota, Mayor Peter Pollen.”

Ten years later, a plaque was attached beside the inscription. It states: “10th Anniversary of Twinning, Morioka, Japan, Victoria, Canada. May 23, 1995. Mayor Ohto, Mayor Cross.” Victoria artist John Bryant called the monument “Austere and bleak looking...” Artist and art critic Robert Amos wrote, “as a sculpture, it is a failure.” (Times Colonist, July 3, 2003, p. D 9)

A gingko tree, donated by eighty residents of Morioka, was planted in Beacon Hill Park in June. The Japanese were visiting Victoria to celebrate the 100th centennial of their city’s incorporation. Morioka was Victoria’s official “sister city.” Jay Rangel, chairman of Victoria’s sister city committee, said “A gingko tree is a tree that existed in ancient times and was discovered in China during the last century growing in a temple. Now it is a very popular tree in Japan.” The gingko tree is often called a “living fossil.” [There are several gingko trees in the Park in 2004 but Assistant Supervisor Al Cunningham said the 1989 tree did not survive.] Victoria sent Morioka a pair of bighorn sheep, a pair of river otters and two cougars for the centennial. (Times Colonist, June 14, 1989, B 1)

Notes:

• Is the gingko tree still there? Any photos?
  
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References

https://www.vncs.ca/victoria-morioka-30th-anniversary-celebration-of-sister-cities/