JAPAN'S SHIZUOKA POCKET PARK RECOGNISED AS WORLD'S SMALLEST

SHIZUOKA (Japan), April 27 (Bernama-Kyodo) -- A "pocket park" in Shizuoka Prefecture, central Japan, has been recognised by Guinness World Records as the world's smallest, measuring just 0.24 square metre with space for only one person to sit on a wooden seat on a rock.

Located in a corner of a residential area in the town of Nagaizumi, the park consists of small square raised bricks, a few plants next to the stool, and two stone monuments, including one featuring the town's symbolic flower, Kyodo news agency reported.

The park had been dubbed by locals as the "world's smallest park" and served as a resting space for over 30 years. It was officially recognised by Guinness in December last year.

Situated about 300 metres from the town hall, the park was built in 1988 using leftover land from a road construction project.

The idea was proposed by a former town official who was inspired by Mill Ends Park in Oregon, the previous record-holder with an area of 0.29 square metre.

With local support, the town launched its challenge for the Guinness World Records title in 2023. It secured about 2.5 million yen (US$18,000) through its budget, online fundraising and private sector donations to cover related expenses.

The town hired a surveyor to measure the land and submitted a certificate confirming the park had existed for over five years. The space was also officially reclassified from a road section to a park.

Since earning Guinness recognition, the park has become a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors from outside Shizuoka.

"We hope this park will serve as an opportunity to promote our town," said Shuji Koyama of the town's construction management division.

-- BERNAMA-KYODO