Gathering Called a “Perfect Example of a Garden’s Traditional Purpose”
On August 3, Portland Japanese Garden partnered with Business Oregon to host an evening celebrating 35 years of the sister-state relationship between Oregon and Toyama. In October of 1991, Oregon Governor Barbara Roberts (1991-95) visited the prefecture in north-central Japan and signed the agreement alongside Toyama Governor Yutaka Nakaoki (1980-2004). The inspiration was very similar to that which ushered in the sister-city relationship between Portland and Sapporo in 1959, a relationship that proved to be a significant catalyst in the establishment of the Garden.
Similar in population, Toyama and Oregon share many commonalities, including abundant and beautiful nature and a history of environmental stewardship. The sister-state relationship underlines how transpacific ties can be fostered below the national level, that meaningful exchanges of nature, the arts, culture, and education can lead to understanding, mutual appreciation, and economic vitality.
Now 35 years into the relationship, the camaraderie between Oregon and Toyama is proven to still be especially vibrant. This was perhaps most evident in the warm greetings and conversation between the two leaders now at the helm of each government, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek (2023-present) and Toyama Governor Hachiro Nitta (2020-present). The two met and exchanged gifts before moving over to the Garden’s Mount Hood Overlook.
Several of Oregon’s leaders were also present for the evening, including Sophorn Cheang, Director of Business Oregon and the reception’s emcee, Rob Wagner, Oregon Senate President, Mari Watanabe, Oregon State Representative and a member of the Garden’s Board of Trustees, Daniel Nguyen, Oregon State Representative, Curtis Robinhold, Executive Director of the Port of Portland, Chiharu Cathy Bowman, Chair of the Japan America Society of Oregon, and former Governor Barbara Roberts herself.
After an introduction from Cheang, Governor Kotek was the first to speak. “Oregon and Japan share a deep and enduring friendship built on mutual respect and decades of partnership in trade, culture and innovation,” she remarked. “The Japanese community in Oregon has made our state stronger, more vibrant, and more connected to the world.” Governor Kotek also took time to note her approval of the Garden as the evening’s setting. “It’s very fitting that we celebrate here at the Portland Japanese Garden,” she noted. “Thank you to the team here at the Garden for hosting us this evening. This is one of my favorite places in Portland. The First Lady [Aimee Kotek Wilson] and I recently visited and reflected on our great memories of our visit to Japan last fall here at the Garden.”
Governor Nitta was the next to speak. “Since establishing our sister state relationship in 1991, the State of Oregon and Toyama Prefecture have fostered exchanges across a wide range of fields, including government, economy, education, and culture. We would like to express our heartfelt respect and gratitude to everyone who has supported these exchanges and helped connect to our two regions.”
“Since the ancient times, the Japanese have used Japanese gardens as important social venues where various dignitaries and cultural figures have gathered,” the Governor continued, explaining why he felt Portland Japanese Garden was a fitting venue. “I am delighted that today’s gathering is a perfect example of a garden’s traditional purpose. [Portland Japanese Garden], nurtured tirelessly by the people of Oregon and an example of solidarity between the Japanese and American business communities has now developed into the nation’s premier Japanese garden … and has grown into the place that supports cultural diplomacy.”
“It was an honor to welcome Governors Kotek and Nitta here and wonderful to hear their remarks,” shares Aki Nakanishi, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Portland Japanese Garden. “I found Governor Nitta’s remarks on the historical role of Japanese gardens to be especially reaffirming.”
“Daimyo [feudal lords] of the Edo period [1603-1868] collectively built over 1,000 Japanese gardens across Tokyo alone recognizing that some of the most important conversations take place at gardens. In 2022, Former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida invited then-President Joe Biden to an eminent garden in Tokyo to have discussions of global significance during the President’s first state visit to Japan. Here in Portland, our Garden has welcomed two former Prime Ministers, Takeo Fukuda in 1978 and Yasuhiro Nakasone in 1990 and a succession of Japanese ambassadors to the U.S. over more than two decades. In addition to their artistic and therapeutic qualities, places like Portland Japanese Garden are vital economic assets. Japanese gardens have been serving as a platform where dignitaries and leaders of all types gather for conversations about culture, trade, and important social issues, and we are so honored that the leaders of both Oregon and Toyama recognized that for what the generations of Portlanders have built and fostered.”
In addition to Governor Nitta’s delegation, Ken Todoriki, Consul General at the Consular Office of Japan in Portland was also there representing Japan. “On this special occasion, I would like to express my deepest respect and gratitude to everyone who has supported this relationship over the past 35 years,” the Consul General noted. “Events like today’s reception, where people from government, business, education, and culture come together, remind us how broad and strong this partnership has become. It is truly meaningful to see this many people working together to foster the friendship between Oregon and Toyama. Today, the world is facing many changes and increasing uncertainty. In times like this, friendships built on trust and mutual understanding are more valuable than ever.”
“The relationship between Oregon and Toyama is strengthened by trade, innovation, education, and opportunity,” shared Lisa Christy, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Portland Japanese Garden, in her remarks. “It is people choosing to be curious about one another; to exchange ideas, share traditions, extend hospitality, and build trust – one relationship at a time. Tonight is one of those moments. That is what has made the friendship between Oregon and Japan so special. It is the work that each of you here do every day.”
“And it is exactly what Portland Japanese Garden strives to do every day. We like to think of ourselves as a bridge. A bridge between cultures. A bridge between Oregon and Japan. And ultimately, a bridge between people.”