Frances Nakamura, President of Koyasan Temple in Los Angeles, gives a speech at the Aoyama Tree dedication ceremony on July 17, 2008 in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles.

The Aoyama Tree was designated Historic Cultural Monument No. 920 by the city of Los Angeles. In attendance at the ceremony were the city dignitaries, Koyasan members, and Little Tokyo community activists who campaigned for official recognition for the tree. The Aoyama Tree is the first living object to receive this designation.

The Moreton Bay Fig, which stands at the former site of the Koyasan Buddhist Temple, is named for that mission's founder, Rev. Shutai Aoyama. It was planted in 1920.