The 2026 Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival was underway in Fairmount Park this weekend.
As part of their efforts to preserve history and culture, they officially launched a campaign to restore the Shofuso House.
“This was built like a 17th century Japanese house…. This roof needs to be replaced every 25 to 35 years. And that is approaching within 2 to 3 years. To reroof this entire roofing structure is a big deal for us,” said Mirai Yasuyama, Board Member of the Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia.
The Shofuso Heritage Campaign allows people to donate directly to provide the new roof, and other future projects.
“The second portion of it is we would like to have an addition built in this compound. We would like to have more educational facilities, museum shops. We have so many things that we want to do,” said Yasuyama.
“The Japanese house is really a true treasure. Everybody who comes into it comes back with the same reaction that they are stunned by the reality… and the serenity of the setting,” said Dennis Morikawa, Board President of the Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia.
The festival also prompted an opportunity to showcase a cherry tree planting in Fairmount Park.
“Those trees that we’re planting here will continue to grow for… hopefully the next hundred years. And that’s part of our mission as stewards of both Shofuso, as well as the beautiful Sakura,” he continued.
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