Historic Cultural Monument dedication ceremony, 2008.
Although the Aoyama Tree continues to grow at its original location, the landscape around it has changed. The former commercial street is now an art park featuring the Japanese American Museum, the National Center for the Preservation of Democracy, and the Geffen Museum of Contemporary Art (visible in background). On July 17, 2008, members of the Little Tokyo Historial Society, Koyasan Buddhist Temple, and city dignitaries gathered in the parking lot next to the tree to witness it be dedicated Historic Cultural Monument No. 920 by the City of Los Angeles.