This tree is located in Boston Garden
The plaque has a haiku which presumably was written by Aso-- but that could not be verified online. The plaque reads:
"Day is over
Yet, still cherry petals
Are flying.
Kaji Aso
1936-2006"
The Boston Globe's obituary for Aso (
visit link) informs us:
"Of Boston and Tokyo, March 11, after a dignified battle with cancer. Teacher, artist, tenor, adventurer, bon vivant, poet and philosopher, he founded the Kaji Aso Studio Institute for the Arts in 1973. Here he brought together Japanese and western culture, visual art, music, poetry, philosophy, theater, good food, river trips and marathon running. Mr Aso was also a Professor at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston for thirty-three years. His art is in the collections of museums around the world, including the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston and the National Museum of Modern Art in Tokyo. Thirteen of his works are registered as Japanese National Properties. As an accomplished tenor Mr Aso performed opera and Italian and Japanese songs. He ran in thirty-six Boston Marathons and leld kayak expeditions down some of the longest rivers in the world including the Mississippi, the Nile, and the Volga. He also designed and built the first Japanese teahouse in Boston where he presided as tea master. Among the many recognitions that Mr Aso received from local and international organizations were the "Distinguished Bostonian" award in 1980 and being named by Boston Magazine as one of the "Bostonians We Love" in 2002. A man of great generosity, an unfailing sense of humanity, and an inspiring spirit, he will be remembered by the many peoplel whose lives he deeply touched. He is survived by his sister, a brother, nieces and nephews, and many students, friends, and admirers. A memorial observance will be held in the Great Hall at the State House in Boston on Wed., March 29 at 7 PM. Donations may be made to "The Kaji Aso Memorial Fund" c/o Kaji Aso Studio, 40 St Stephen St, Boston, MA 02115 - See more at: (visit link)