First Tree of Tokyo
Purpose / Function
The park is a public space within the Red Maple District for residents and visitors to relax, converse, and trade. It oftentimes will function as a festival space during holidays, and on weekends is frequently used as an open air market for artisans.
Architecture
The park is a very simple greenery space within the Red Maple District. It is bordered by a small stone perimeter to contain the park's soil, and planted with a large array of temperate shrubs, grasses, and maple trees. Azaleas, lily of the valley, daffodils, and clovers are routinely maintained and planted by the Cult of Life.
History
Much of the park's history has been heavily mythologized and altered by stories of the pantheon, with much of historical fact fading into obscurity. The most consistent stories are that following a large earthquake that devastated Tokyo and eastern Japan, the Cult of Life donated a large number of trees, flowers, and shrubs for rebuilding the region following numerous fires that eliminated much of the native flora. Which earthquake in particular is hotly debated and subject to numerous criticisms, and it is most likely that this occurred numerous times due to the region's natural geologic instability. Some evidence points to the earthquake being one that followed Hikaru Vulapin, God of Foxes's ascension to the pantheon.
The First Tree is also hotly debated by historians, as many sources state that the supposed tree has never been replanted, which if true, would mean that the maple tree at the park's center is at minimum 600 years old, with oldest estimates based on the myths placing its age closer to 3,000 years old. By most, this has been assumed to be an impossibility unless it was directly blessed by the gods, and most sources agree the tree itself has not been. Some debate exists on whether or not the tree's extremely long lifespan is due to the area falling within Hikaru's own domain and worship site, and thus being under her protection as one of her symbols. Thus far, genetic testing and dating of the tree has been forbidden out of concerns of potentially damaging it and killing it, as well as extreme pushback from locals.
Regardless of its origins, the small park is largely a local curiosity. It occasionally will see large amounts of tourism following debate of the tree's authenticity, much to the annoyance of residents living in the district when tourism is high. Frequently, tourists are known to attempt to 'take samples' of the tree themselves, and it has routinely seen damage, vandalism, and the occasional arson attempt. High amounts of littering has been a repeated concern of locals for the tree's health.
In 20,001, a fence was built around the tree's plot to prevent people from entering and damaging it. The following year, the fence was taken down and replaced due to damage. In 20,004, following an arson attempt by a tourist, security cameras were installed in the park. Due to a lack of incidents, in 20,016, the fencing and cameras were removed by locals and have yet to be replaced.
Alternative Names
The First Tree, Red Maple Park
Type
Park
Parent Location
Owning Organization
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