Japanese Stone Lantern

Japanese Stone Lantern

Los Angeles Skyline

Suzuki was a special advisor to Shimbun owner Matsutaro Shoriki, the founder of the Yomiuri Giants baseball team who is known as the "father of Japanese professional baseball."

In April 1962, Suzuki attended the grand opening of Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles with his wife Toku as guests of O'Malley and his wife Kay. When he returned to Japan, Suzuki decided to gift a stone lantern to O'Malley to express his gratitude.

In May 1965, Suzuki contracted the Shimizugumi Stone Works Company to build the stone lantern, which was sculpted in Okazaki City. The eight-foot tall, 3,921-pound "Kasuga" stone lantern was shipped to Los Angeles in six sections in the winter of 1965.

Yokohema, May 19th, 1965.

My Dear Mr. O'Malley:

I have been very busy since I came back to Japan, but I feel great and hae found everything o.k.

After thorough investigation and research, I have found a reliable manufacturers of the "Toro" (Stone Lantern) to be dedicated to the Dodger Stadium in memory of our being invited to the Grand Opening on April 9th, 1962 as guests, which Toku and myself are always thinking one of the greatest honors and prouds in our life. The manufactures are in Nagoya Prefecture who are very popular of their skill and good workmanship to make that kind of Stone Lantern and are regarded on of the best in Japan. I have ordered of them a Lantern about 8 feets high a few days ago. It takes about three months to be complete. So I figure that the Lantern will arrive in Los Angeles in about four months.

This is just a brief information I can tell you about our dedication of the lantern to the Stadium, but will give you some more informations very shortly. Tomorrow, we are going to our country home, where we will stay about 5 days to rest and to attend some private affairs. I have to write letters to Terry and Peter, but will do it after I come back Yokahama home again.

Trusting this letter will find you and Mrs. O'Malley and every one of your family in the very best humor and spirits,

Yours very truely,
Sotaro Suzuki

Parking Lot P

Dodger Stadium Fence Letters in Background

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