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.

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.

Portland Japanese Garden was honored to celebrate the 65th anniversary of the Portland-Sapporo Sister City relationship by holding a reception for Sapporo Mayor Katsuhiro Akimoto and Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler in June.

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. 

Guests to Behind the Shoji in 2024 will see a range of different goods and wares including some captivating new items.

In May, Portland Japanese Garden once again proudly joined in Oregon Rises Above Hate’s (ORAH’s) annual event that kicks off Asian American Native Hawai’ian Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month for our community. ORAH is a local organization that amplifies AANHPI voices while also connecting this community with each other.