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.
“There is a feeling within the interrelated fields of Japanese gardens, be it landscaping, construction, or research, that there has been some stagnancy over the past few years,” shares Misako Ito, Executive Director of Portland Japanese Garden and Japan Institute’s Japan Office. “Our organization is quickly becoming perceived as an agent of change in Japan. Many see the Garden as being able to enable these industry players to think about their work in a way that can spark innovation while still honoring tradition and maintaining authenticity. This symposium helped illustrate one of Japan Institute’s greatest attributes—its capacity for facilitating key players to meet and share dialogue that will strengthen our collective ability to foment change for the better.”
GREEN x EXPO 2027 is a prestigious event that its organizers expect will see 15 million visitors when it opens in Yokohama in 2027. Representatives from a diverse group of nations will be present to promote and share their horticultural knowledge. Masato Komura, Secretary-General of the Japan Association for the International Horticultural Expo 2027 writes, “We hope that it will provide visitors with opportunities to gain new perspectives on flowers, greenery, agriculture, and food, and inspire them to work to create a world for tomorrow that is sustainable and in harmony with nature.”
At the symposium, attendees heard remarks from Professor Atsushi Tsuda, Vice President of the University of Tokyo. A panel discussion followed, featuring Takehiro Inoue (Landscape Architect, Ueyoshi Landscape Co. Ltd), Shiro Wakui (Chairperson, GREEN x EXPO 2027 Lab), Makoto Yokohari (Professor, University of Tokyo), and Kengo Kuma (Architect). Kuma, who designed the Cultural Village of Portland Japanese Garden and the auditorium where the symposium was held, and Wakui are both members of the Garden’s International Advisory Board.
Following a spirited discussion, Akira Matsuda (Associate Professor, University of Tokyo) discussed Kaitoku-en before guests enjoyed a tour of it. Kaitoku-en is a renowned Japanese garden on the University’s campus that visitors to Japan are often unaware of. A designated national cultural property, the garden has been in the care of the University of Tokyo since 1928 and was used by the Meiji Government to welcome visiting foreign dignitaries. After their garden tour, guests reunited for a networking event and reception.
Did You Know We Have a Japan Office?
In 2022 Portland Japanese Garden and Japan Institute established its permanent, year-round presence in Tokyo at the International House of Japan, commonly referred to as I-House. This exciting endeavor affords the organizations better opportunities to collaborate with its partners in Japan. Hired in 2023 to run this important space is its Executive Director, Misako Ito. Ito is establishing a networking framework that will maintain, strengthen, and add connections between Portland Japanese Garden and Japan Institute with organizations and individuals in Japan. She also supports Japan Institute’s three programmatic centers: the International Exchange Forum, International Japanese Garden Training Center, and Global Center for Culture & Art.