Nagoya, Japan, has garnered the attention of the world as its smallest park has officially been recognized by the Guinness World Records. On February 25, 2024, the park, which measures just 0.24 square meters, was awarded this honor during a ceremony held at the town hall.
Mayor Shu Ikeda, seated nervously opposite Fumika Fujibuchi, the official from Guinness World Records, expressed excitement during the award ceremony. "Congratulations!" Fumika announced, presenting the official record certificate, marking the achievement for the small town.
The park, located within residential areas of Nagoya, has been affectionately known by locals for years. It is often described as being just big enough for a small bench and some green shrubs, surrounded by bricks. It was originally created about 37 years ago from leftover land during road construction, with the intention of fostering community pride.
Until now, the title of the world’s smallest park belonged to Mill Ends Park, located in Oregon, USA, which measures 0.29 square meters. Nagoya’s quaint park, now dubbed the “true smallest park,” edges out the previous record holder by 0.05 square meters.
Mayor Ikeda shared his hopes for the recognition, stating, "It's great for our town to have something recognized by the world. This can really improve our local pride and identity." Residents echoed these sentiments, highlighting how the acknowledgment has transformed their perception of the park. "We always knew we had the smallest park, but now it's official!" exclaimed local resident Kazunori Shimon.
The approval process for the park’s registration was rigorous, comprising various criteria from Guinness. These included verification from local government, the park's existence for more than five years, and measurements conducted by qualified surveyors to affirm its size. Each requirement was carefully met, ensuring the park arrived at its official designation.
On the day of the event, excitement bubbled among the townspeople. "Oh, we’re really proud to have something world-renowned!" remarked one local, expressing pride for this memorable acknowledgment. The community has plans to install signage at the park to promote its status and attract visitors.
Ikeda hopes the park will boost tourism and rekindle interest among residents. "Talking about how we have the smallest park can excite children and families, drawing them to our community," he remarked with enthusiasm.
Now, the park stands as both a symbol of local identity and community history, ready for its new chapter as the smallest park worldwide. Plans include not only promoting its record but also upgrading the park’s features to encourage more local engagement and potentially draw curious visitors from afar.
With this honorary title, the community's pride is palpable, and residents aspire to make the most out of this unique feature. The story of the park exemplifies how even the smallest things can bring significant joy and recognition to the community they serve.
Undoubtedly, the world’s smallest park has proven it’s not just about size but also about the heart and spirit of the people who cherish it. Residents and officials alike look forward to embracing the future of their treasured park on the global stage.