A "Chipko Tree of Life" festival will take place on Aug. 27 to give thanks to the ginkgo trees of Tokyo's historic Meiji Jingu Gaien while they are still alive, Chipko is a non-violent forest conservation movement originating in India. Become a “tree-hugger” and celebrate Tokyo’s ginkgo trees before they are gone.
In addition to enjoying the planned activities, participants are invited to simply hug one of the endangered trees. The symbolic act will connect visitors with one another, and with Chipko tree-huggers who successfully defended Himalayan forests. By filming and photographing ourselves as we touch the sacred
spirits of these century-year-old guardians, we will consecrate a moment of bonding with the towering ginkgo, which are under threat of removal by a proposed redevelopment project.
We invite participants to post widely on social media. Regardless of what the future brings, on this day we will show our gratitude for the hundred years they have protected us and brightened our city. Explore your creativity and experience the communal joy to be found in the simple act of hugging one of the city’s historic ginkgo trees.
Festival Details:
Date: Sunday, August 27th
Time: from 10:00 am until early afternoon; Location: Site of the 18
endangered ginkgo trees, Jingu Gaien Park (next to the Shake Shack; see map above)
Festival Highlights:
● Experience the sacred power of shimenawa ropes being tied on 18 historic Ginkgo trees
● Photograph yourself hugging a tree in a reincarnation of the original Chipko movement
● Tie your personal wish (tanzaku) on to one of the 18 sacred Ginkgo trees
● Join in creating a living chain of solidarity bonding humans and trees together
● Witness the controlled dynamism of renowned shodo artist William Reed as he creates tatami-mat sized Japanese calligraphy
● Watch nature and humans merge together as virtuoso painter Andrew Boerger collaborates with professional models to create living art in the form of body-painting
● Watch a performance of Kami-shibai (traditional Japanese paper theater), draw pictures, write postcards and join other events designed for children and adults alike.
● Enjoy live music performances
● Take your turn at a speakers’ corner where participants can express their thoughts about the Ginkgo trees and the redevelopment project
Schedule:
● 9:00 am: Preparation
o Placement of shimenawa (sacred Shinto ropes) around trees
o Body painting artist begins preparing models for body painting
● 10:00 am: Event Start
o Opening ceremony
o Musical performance
o Tree-hugging photography and ongoing body painting
● 11:00 am: Cultural Highlights
o Creation of living chain revealing the bond of humans and trees
o Mesmerizing Shodo performance, showcasing the beauty of Japanese calligraphy
o Interactive kami-shibai session, picture drawing
● 12:00 pm: Grand Finale
o Live music performance
o Inspirational speeches addressing the importance of preservation
o Fun-filled children-oriented activities
This event serves as a powerful reminder of our responsibility to protect our heritage and natural treasures for future generations. Join us on August 27th at the site of the 18 endangered ginkgo trees in Jingu Gaien Park to stand united for the cause.
Volunteers needed: We are looking for volunteers to help us carry out the event. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Charles Cabell at chipkotreeoflife@gmail.com by 5 pm on August 23rd.