Consul General's Commendation presented to Mr. Charles Wood, President of Japanese Garden Foundation Inc. in Mobile, AL
On November 21, Consul General (CG) Sunaga presented Mr. Charles Wood, President of the Japanese Garden Foundation Inc. in Mobile, Alabama, with the Certificate of the Consul General's Commendation. The certificate recognizes organizations and individuals for their hard work and dedication to promoting mutual understanding and friendship between various countries or regions and Japan.
Mr. Wood became interested in Sumie (ink and brush painting) in the 70's which inspired him to look into Japanese culture including the Japanese garden in depth. When he was told that he could lease 14 acres of Mobile City property, he set out to build the Japanese Garden. In 1995, he established the Japanese Garden Foundation Inc. to accelerate his project. To secure proper authenticity in his Japanese garden, he not only traveled to Kyoto to gain the basic ideas of the Japanese gardens, but he also used the help from experts including Professor Emeritus Takeo Uesugi of CA Politechnic and Kinkaku-ji Master Gardener Tokushiro Tamane. In 2010, the City Council of Mobile passed a resolution to name the garden "Charles Wood Japanese Garden" to honor his tireless efforts and dedication.
The Commendation was awarded to Mr. Wood for his contributions to promoting the mutual understanding of peoples in Mobile as well as Alabama and Japan for over 20 years through his creation of a Japanese garden, promoting Japanese cultural activities including Sumie and supporting Mobile-Ichihara Sister City exchange. The Presentation Ceremony was attended by about 70 people including Mobile City Councilwoman Gina Gregory, former Mayor Mark Dow, Lamar Smith , President of Japan America Society of Alabama, Honorary Consul of Japan in Birmingham Mark Jackson, Chairman Mark Edward, Mobile-Ichihara Sister City Association, and its Board Member Yuko Jordan, Mrs. Mary Wood, wife of Mr. Wood, and their family members as well as many friends.
Mobile-Ichihara Sister City Association Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/groups/MISCA/
The Certificate of the Consul General's Commendation award ceremony for the Charles Wood Mobil Japanese Garden Foundation (November 20, 2014, at Mobil Japanese garden)
Certificate of the Consul General's Commendation Awarding Ceremony
CG Sunaga explaining the attributions of Mr. Wood
CG Sunaga presenting Mr. Woods with the certificate
Mr. Woods recognizing those who supported his project
Mobile City Councilwoman Gina Gregory congratulating Mr. Wood's recognition by the Japanese government
Mobile-Ichihara Sister City Association Director Yuko Jordan praises Mr. Wood's long time dedication
Honorary Consul General of Birmingham Mark Jackson proposing a toast
Japan-America Society of Alabama president Lamar Smith and Executive Director Tamara Moriya
Mr. Wood with the certificate, CG Sunaga, and City Councilman Gregory
Miss Southern Bell Joined the celebration. She will travel to Ichihara next year.
Mr. Wood shows the Japanese Garden to CG Sunaga and HC Jackson
Charles Wood Japanese Garden entrance sign
Reception