the birthday of Fred Korematsu (1919-2005).

(SOPHIA COLE/Rafu Shimpo)Ikeda began the Wishing Tree in 2011.a popular attraction in Japanese Village Plaza.

She received a letter of recognition from Fukushima Prefecture for her contribution.but we wanted to avoid that situation because it is somewhat of a liability.The primary concern we have is that it does pose a fire risk because of all the paper.

which was the victim of a possible hate crime — arson and vandalism — in early 2021.(PETER YOON/Rafu Shimpo)A representative of Japanese Village Plaza cited fire risk as the primary reason for the removal.

Ikeda continued to collect donations for the Wishing Tree.

which occurs every year on the seventh day of the seventh month.We are proud of our roots serving businesses in Southern California.

one of the largest financial institutions in the world.and talent to support local organizations.

and in 2019 it became a wholly owned subsidiary of SMBC Americas Holdings.Becoming SMBC MANUBANK marks a new chapter as we further strengthen our relationship with SMBC Group.