A new memorial bench in Tyler Rose Garden honors Tony Tadasa for bridging East Texas and Japan, inspiring global understanding through his sister city work.
TYLER, Texas — A new memorial bench honoring a man known for connecting cultures was unveiled Sunday at the Tyler Rose Garden.
The Tyler Sister Cities organization hosted the dedication ceremony for Tony Tadasa, a longtime member who died in 2021 and is remembered for strengthening international relationships between East Texas and Japan.
According to the organization, Tadasa, who is originally from Japan, came to the United States to study at Tyler Junior College. He later became a key figure in fostering Tyler’s sister city relationship with Yachiyo City, Japan.
The memorial is near the Sister Cities peace pole on the east end of the garden.
“Though they’re thousands of miles away, they’re still our neighbors,” said Tyler Mayor Don Warren.
Warren said when he visited Tyler’s sister city, Tadasa helped them prepare to engage respectfully in Japanese culture and business etiquette.
Former Sister Cities President Jennifer Rader said she remembers Tadasa’s kindness.
“Because of him, I was able to go teach in Japan for a couple of years,” Rader said. “It was a life-changing experience.”
The ceremony coincided with a visit from a delegation from Yachiyo City, many of whom had personal connections to Tadasa. The group spent several days in Tyler, culminating in the bench dedication.
Rader said placing the memorial beside the peace pole was intentional.
“When you sit on the bench, you can see Yachiyo, Japan, listed on the pole,” Rader said.
Organizers said they hope visitors who see the memorial will be inspired to learn more about his legacy and the importance of global understanding.
“Tony was a connector,” Warren said. “He brought people together from two different sides of the world.”
AloJapan.com