Archive Record
Images
Metadata
Object ID |
2009.1071.01 |
Title |
World Report: Kenwood's Cherry Blossoms |
Object Name |
Transcript: Video Tape |
Date |
April 14, 2009 |
Creator |
NHK (Nippon Hoso Kyokai) Japan Broadcasting |
Description |
World Report: Kenwood's Cherry Blossoms NHK (Nippon Hoso Kyokai) Japan Broadcasting "Good Morning Japan" OA on April 14th 2009 Reporter and Washington DC bureau chief: Kensuke Okoshi Producer: Nami Kodaka Camera: Tiger Torao Kono A transcript of a video broadcast describing how cherry blossoms are so largely associated with Kenwood. It provides information relating to the friendly atmosphere that allows residents of this historic community to maintain its cherry trees, and how tourist come to enjoy the sight of the cherry blossoms in Kenwood. Below is the transcript of the broadcast: Tokyo Studio Anchor Teaser: Good Morning. You're watching Good Morning Japan. Next segment is "World Report". In Washington DC, cherry blossom trees in the Tidal Basin near the Potomac River are well known as the historic symbol of friendship between the US and Japan. However, in the suburbs of Washington, we found this unique community where cherry blossoms are voluntarily maintained and nurtured by the residents on their home properties. Our Washington DC bureau chief Kensuke Okoshi reports. PLAY VIDEO Kenwood Sign/Driving shot Kenwood is a community located in Chevy Chase Maryland, which is about 10 Kilo meters away from central Washington DC. The cherry blossoms are in full bloom just now. This community was established over 80 years ago as a residential area. Old Kenwood photo in black & white/Current Kenwood Kenwood cherry trees seemed to be strategically planted by the developer to attract potential residents. Nowadays, they are the symbol of the community. Everyone knows Kenwood as the cherry tree neighborhood. A father and his baby Every year, over 30,000 spectators come to enjoy the cherry blossoms in Kenwood. Putting up "No Parking" sign. The neighborhood association run by the residents is in charge of safety and traffic during the cherry blossom season. Dennis Potts (The resident who is in charge of traffic and safety) Interview ON Lemonade Stands "Come and get the lemonade!" Every year, kids in Kenwood sell lemonade for spectators and make small sales. Lemonade stand that has been used for 13 years We found one unique lemonade stand. This was hand made by this boy's grandfather 13 years ago. After the grandfather's passing, the stand remains popular among his grandkids. Thomas Buck (selling lemonade) Interview ON More Kenwood cherry blossoms In Kenwood, each resident is responsible for protecting and maintaining the cherry trees. That has been the rule for even though the trees actually belong to the state of Maryland. Laureen Nicholson walks with Kensuke Okoshi/Laureen's house Laureen Nicholson is one of the residents who are playing a leading role in the community to maintain the cherry trees. She lives in the first house that was built in Kenwood. Laureen and cherry trees Laureen says this somewhat cumbersome maintenance effort to protect cherry trees is a cause for the residents to unite. Laureen Nicholson Interview ON Kenwood Garden Club meeting Laureen is an active member of the Kenwood Garden Club. When members gather, they often talk to one another about cherry trees and try to educate themselves about how to maintain them. Kenwood Garden Club discussion ON More garden club meeting Occasionally, they talk about Japan where the cherry blossoms originally come from. Kenwood Garden Club discussion about Japan ON Laureen's cherry blossom party Kenwood residents have a unique tradition. In the spring, when cherry blossoms are in full bloom, they host a cherry blossom party at their houses. Cherry trees play an important role in bringing everyone together at their house. Laureen Nicholson Interview ON Kenwood cherry blossoms close up As the resident led initiative has allowed these beautiful flowers to bloom every year, these flowers have a set place in the residents' minds and in the community, even though only they only bloom once a year. END of the VIDEO See accession number 2009.1071.02 for the DVD broadcast. |