The Russian cemetery

"Russian soldiers are sleeping
Cherry blossoms connected with a good son
are in full bloom near"
(Fumi Hatano)

There is "The cherry blossoms of Izayoi" designated as a natural treasure by the municipal authority, in the remains of Kichihei's residence and within the precinct of Gotoku-ji Temple, near by the Russian cemetery.
The name of "cherry blossoms of Izayoi" is derived from that it comes into bloom on around 16th Jan. of the lunar calendar, and it is belong to the quick breed of the wild cherry blossoms.
Yakumo Koizumi (1856-1904) made the cherry blossoms popular all over the world, as "the cherry blossoms connected with the good son, so that it had been well known. This story said that; a father in the seriuos illness, who had lived in this place, wanted to see cherry blossoms, and his son "Kichihei" prayed to realize his father's wish, so his prayer was answered and the cherry blossoms came into bloom on 16th Jan. of the lunar calendar and his old father lived to a great age.
This Haiku implys that there is Russian's final resting place near by the place of such tasteful legend.
Fumi Hatano (1895-1990) was, the second editor of the Haiku Magazine "Kaki-Persimmon", Shinpei Hatano's wife and her real name was "Sadako". She studied Haiku under the guidance of "Tsurujo Imai", and published Haiku Poetry "Hotarukago - a firefly cage" and "Kusa-no-to - Grass Door".
There are 98 gravestones in that Russian prisoners of the Russo-Japanese War (of 1904 - 1905), the first World War and the second World War who died in Matsuyama were buried, in this Russian cemetery. Memorial service for the War dead is held on every March of year by Matsuyama city.