Event underscores strong connection with Japan, with guests including royalty, ambassadors, International Advisory Board members, and business leaders

Part of what has earned Portland Japanese Garden its reputation as the world’s most authentic and beautiful Japanese garden outside of Japan are the direct ties it has with Japan. The overseas friendships and partnerships were an invaluable and foundational element of the Garden’s establishment in 1963 and have grown exponentially in the decades that followed. Now in 2023, the significance of Portland Japanese Garden in Japan has manifested itself in a variety of ways including an International Advisory Board comprised of admired and respected thought leaders from both Japan and the world abroad, multiple visits to Portland Japanese Garden from high-ranking Japanese governmental officials, and most recently, a 60^th anniversary gala in Tokyo that welcomed many of the nation’s most notable figures.

“It was a truly memorable evening where supporters, guests, and staff of Portland Japanese Garden had a special opportunity to reflect on how far we have come in our mission of Inspiring Harmony and Peace,” reflected Paula Esguerra, Special Advisor of Japan Institute’s International Exchange Forum, and one of the Garden’s leaders who helped organize the gala. The event took place at Happo-en, a 300-year-old garden in Tokyo’s Shirokane District. “It’s a beautiful and historic space that was created by a retainer of the shogun during Japan’s Edo period (1603-1868),” Esguerra added.

Among those who attended was Her Imperial Highness, Princess Takamado. “It’s wonderful to think that the seed of an idea that was planted has blossomed into something this big,” the Princess shared in a speech. “There are different Japanese gardens in [Portland Japanese Garden] and not even in Japan would you be able to see so many different types of Japanese gardens in one go. It is a museum of gardens. For people who want to study Japanese gardens, that’s the place to go. For people who want to feel those Japanese gardens, that’s the place to go. In Japan you would have to one garden here, another garden there, but there it’s like a museum of gardens, as far as I can see. And they’re living. They’re living entities. It’s like human relationships. They grow, but they only grow if you give it the love, the energy, and the attention.”

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida sent his Cabinet Secretary for Public Affairs, Noriyuki Shikata, to deliver congratulatory remarks on his behalf as he was unable to personally attend the celebration. “Since its establishment, Portland Japanese Garden has been working to promote mutual understanding and friendly relations between Japan and the United States,” Kishida shared. “I’m very pleased to witness the last decade of Portland Japanese Garden’s achievements…Today, the Japan-U.S. relationship is more substantial and profound than ever, and the Japan-U.S. alliance is unshakable. Portland Japanese Garden is a symbol of cultural exchange between the U.S. and Japan, and I salute its 60 years of efforts to promote understanding of Japan as a comprehensive center of the U.S.-Japan cultural exchange.”

In her address to the attendees, the United States Embassy’s Acting Deputy Chief of Mission, Valerie Chittenden, highlighted that “The U.S. Embassy shares the goals of Portland Japanese Garden: to improve and increase cooperation, innovation and long-lasting peace in cultural exchange spaces,” the “Last weekend, I was in Hiroshima for the G7 Leaders Summit. I was thrilled to see the Peace Lantern that Portland Japanese Garden had gifted Hiroshima last year…While the U.S.-Japan security alliance often is the thing that grabs the headlines, those Peace Lanterns, not only in Hiroshima, but others throughout Japan, are strong reminders, for all who see them, of the connection between our two countries.”

Also in attendance was internationally acclaimed architect Kengo Kuma, designer of the Garden’s award-winning Cultural Village, his first public project in North America. “I was so impressed by the beauty of the Garden,” Kuma, who is also a member of the organization’s International Advisory Board, reminisced in a toast. “I think it is the best Japanese garden outside of Japan.”

Those who delivered remarks were joined by several other highly respected individuals. “Over 300 people attended,” Esguerra noted. “Our guests included leaders in politics, business, culture, and the arts. We were graced by the presence of three former Ambassadors of Japan to the United States, diplomats from 14 nations, Noh theater and Hollywood actors, Buddhist monks, university presidents, International Advisory Board Members, representatives of the Garden’s Board of Trustees, several Garden patrons, and three former Garden Directors of Portland Japanese Garden who now live in Japan: Kinya Hira, Kichiro Sano, and Takao Donuma. That so many influential people would come to this event truly speaks to how highly regarded Portland Japanese Garden is in Japan.”

Portland Japanese Garden will continue to celebrate its 60^th anniversary this fall with two special events. On September 17, the Garden will hold an all-day celebration on its grounds that will feature a special anniversary ikebana display and cultural demonstrations that showcase our rich history of community partnerships and educational offerings, as well as family-friendly activities and special gifts for Garden members and donors. On October 21, the Garden will hold a black-tie benefit at Portland Art Museum. Information on how to request being added to the invitation list, as well as details on sponsorships can be found by clicking here.

More Photos from Portland Japanese Garden’s 60th Anniversary Gala in Tokyo, Japan

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