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High-Ranking Japanese Officials Who Have Affirmed the Authenticity of Portland Japanese Garden

Portland Japanese Garden’s reputation as “the most beautiful and authentic Japanese garden in the world outside of Japan” is one that has been burnished over the decades by the many dignitaries from Japan who have walked its grounds. To have earned this reputation is something the Garden cherishes and does not take for granted. Photo: © 1978 Randy Wood / The Oregonian. All rights reserved. Used with permission.

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Japan Institute Co-Presents Symposium at University of Tokyo with International Horticultural Expo 2027

In May, Japan Institute and Portland Japanese Garden collaborated with the International Horticultural Expo 2027, also known as “GREEN x EXPO 2027,” to present a symposium at the acclaimed University of Tokyo in Japan. Titled “Why Japanese Gardens Now?” the event convened some of the nation’s preeminent thought leaders in the fields of gardening, architecture, landscape architecture, and academia to discuss the global appreciation of Japanese gardens. They examined the evolving cultural significance of these vital natural spaces, their ability to foster community, and what the future holds in store for them.

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The Art of Healing: Reflections from Kintsugi Artist Naoko Fukumaru

Portland Japanese Garden is thrilled to feature Kintsugi: The Restorative Art of Naoko Fukumaru in our Pavilion and Calvin and Mayho Tanabe Galleries this fall. Kintsugi is an ancient method of mending damaged ceramics using urushi (natural lacquer) dusted with powdered gold. This type of mending highlights the beauty of imperfections, rather than trying to hide them. This timely exhibition will explore universally resonant themes of healing through the artwork of kintsugi artist and master conservator Naoko Fukumaru. In this article, Fukumaru shares her impressions from her 2022 visit to Portland Japanese Garden and discusses the art of kintsugi.

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Volunteer Spotlight: Masaki Shimada 

Portland Japanese Garden could not pursue its mission of Inspiring Harmony and Peace without its remarkable group of volunteers. More than 180 individuals from a diverse group of backgrounds help the organization in innumerous ways, including providing richly detailed tours, guiding guests through artwork on display in our exhibitions, and tending to the physical landscape itself. One of these gifted and bright individuals is Masaki Shimada, who has been providing invaluable support to the organization since 2020. Shimada sat with The Garden Path to discuss his volunteer service. 

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Explore Portland Japanese Garden on Google Arts & Culture

Portland Japanese Garden was selected as one of 16 partners to celebrate its home city’s thriving cultural scene through the Google Arts & Culture platform. The Garden is proud to be a part of this prestigious project and part of the Google world as it reinforces how we are an indelible thread in our city’s fabric–its history, its culture, and its appeal.

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Cultural Partner Spotlight: Tea Ceremony Expert Jan Waldmann

Portland Japanese Garden is honored to have the dedicated support of local artists, musicians, and practitioners who share their expertise and talents with our guests at cultural demonstrations and performances. They help us pursue our mission of Inspiring Harmony and Peace by shining light on Japanese culture as a form of cultural diplomacy. One such individual is Jan Waldmann, who sat down with The Garden Path to talk about her nearly 50 years of collaboration with the Garden.