Located just north of the Tidal Basin in Washington, DC, the Japanese Lantern is a centuries-old granite structure that symbolizes the enduring cultural partnership between Japan and the United States. Originally offered by the Japanese in 1921, the lantern was dedicated in 1954 and stands as a gesture of everlasting peace and friendship. Weighing two tons and standing eight and a half feet tall, this historic lantern is the oldest free-standing, man-made stone structure in the city and serves as a representation of open trade and friendship between nations.
Carved in 1651, the lantern memorializes Tokugawa Iemitsu, the third shogun of the Tokugawa Dynasty, and was originally located in Ueno Park, Tokyo. Its mate still stands in Tokyo today. The lantern's significance is ironic, as it was initially created to represent Japan's closed-door policy towards foreigners. However, it now serves as a symbol of healed wounds and acknowledges the peaceful union between Japan and the United States. As a cultural treasure on the National Mall, the Japanese Lantern stands as a testament to the rich history and enduring friendship between these two nations.
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