World Sakura Network
世界中で、7,000万〜8,000万人が死亡したと推定されている第二次世界大戦中（1939年〜1945年）に、教師だった高岡正明さんが生徒たちに、「日本は神の国だから必ず勝つ。この桜の木の下で再会しよう。」と励まし、戦場へ送り出しました。その生徒たちは、シベリアの寒い国や、インドシナ半島の暑い国など世界各地で散っていきました。
その自責の念から、生徒たちや、戦争で命を失った全ての方々の鎮魂のため、「二度と戦わない」という強い想いを込めて、世界中のどんな気候でも咲く「陽光桜」を、約30年かけて品種改良し開発しました。
生前の高岡さんの口癖で、「世界中がピンク色の桜で一杯だったら、その下で人々は笑い合うしかないだろう」というものがあります。
彼の平和を願う想いから生まれたこの陽光桜を、世代を超えて紡いでいくのが、私たちの活動です。
Offical website https://hidemiogata.com/
World Sakura Network
Greeting
During World War II, high school teacher Masaaki Takaoka sent his students off to war, telling them, “Fight for our country, win, and be sure to come back. Let’s meet again under this cherry blossom tree in the schoolyard. ”He took a commemorative photo of the young soldiers, but sadly, most never returned. Many died in battle, whether in the freezing cold of Siberia or the tropical heat of the Indochina Peninsula.
Overwhelmed with grief and driven by a deep desire for peace, Takaoka spent the next 30 years after the war developing a cherry blossom that could bloom in any climate around the world. This cherry blossom was named Yoko Sakura. Takaoka often said, “If the Earth were covered in pink cherry blossoms, people would have no choice but to smile at each other.” The Yoko Sakura is a symbol of his unwavering wish for peace.
Chairman Hidemi Ogata
Hailing from Kumamoto Prefecture in Japan, Hidemi Ogata moved to the United States in her twenties as a photographer, deepening her relationships with many artists, including Andy Warhol, in New York. She has pursued her career as a photographer in Tokyo, New York, Europe, the Middle East, and various other countries.
With the motto "Now is everything; this moment is eternity," She possesses a rare ability to capture not only the dynamic aspect of life but also the genuine essence hidden within people in an instant. Her unique technique has garnered the trust of many musicians, creators, athletes, and celebrities from around the world, as well as individuals from various walks of life.
In 1995, She made her debut in Japan with a photo book featuring Blankey Jet City. In 2011, Se received significant acclaim both domestically and internationally with the publication of a photo book on Hakuho Sho, the 69th Yokozuna as a great champion of SUMO.
In 2023, She launched the Gypsy Photographer Project with a strong concept aimed at promoting coexistence and mutual understanding among people in a world facing increasing division, capturing the unique charm of every individual.
On February 3, 2025, based on the principles of "Everyone is a valuable existence, and their brilliance connects to the brilliance of the Earth," She established World Sakura Network the general incorporated association as a project focused on planting cherry trees, particularly the Yoko Sakura tree, which symbolizes the brilliance of humanity, around the world as well as related activities.
Official website https://hidemiogata.com/en/