Throughout most of their history, the only evening illumination seen in Japanese gardens came from the glow of stone lanterns or the moon. However, as modern technology evolved, so did these landscapes. Lighting in Japanese gardens, or niwa akari, throughout the world has now become a skill in itself—how can one make sure that the introduction of electric equipment fits within the aesthetic needs of a given space and not disrupt the harmonious orchestration of stone, plants, and water? Furthermore, how can the illumination be done in a way that minimizes light pollution and still serves its function?
These questions and more will be discussed in the Japanese Garden Training Center’s 2025 lecture, Landscape Lighting in Japanese Gardens. Tyler Nishitani, a local architect who helped shape Portland Japanese Garden’s award-winning 2017 expansion, will moderate a discussion with landscape lighting expert Tim Ryan. Together, they will explore the potential of how lighting can complement the aesthetics of Japanese gardens and the technical challenges one must navigate.
The Japanese Garden Training Center, a proud endeavor of the Garden’s global cultural initiative, Japan Institute, is excited to present this program as part of its “Garden Lecture+” series. These in-person gatherings aim to examine Japanese gardens through bold and inspiring new contexts by bringing designers, authors, practitioners, and researchers to Portland Japanese Garden to share fresh ideas and expertise.
About the Speakers
Tim Ryan
Tim Ryan is the Executive Director and a Senior Lighting Designer at Lighthouse Design Studio in Indianapolis, Indiana. An Oregon native, Ryan collaborates with top-tier professionals in landscape design, home integration, and architecture to push the boundaries of lighting design. He is also deeply committed to the education and mentorship of future outdoor lighting.
With a background in landscape design and construction, Ryan’s passion for lighting began early in his career as he integrated illumination into his landscape projects. By 2003, captivated by the transformative power of light in outdoor spaces, he transitioned fully into the world of landscape lighting. Beyond his work in lighting design, Tim is an accomplished professional photographer, specializing in capturing the interplay of light and shadow in landscape architecture, outdoor environments, and illuminated spaces.
Tyler Nishitani
Tyler Nishitani is a design-oriented architect, leader and strategic thinker with more than 20 years of experience bringing ambitious projects from conception to reality. Nishitani has an abundance of public, intuitional and community-oriented project experience, having served in designer, project architect, and project manager roles. Included among his work is the expansion of Portland Japanese Garden in 2017. Then a Project Architect with Hacker, Nishitani was part of a team of experts who helped bring Kengo Kuma’s vision for the Cultural Village to life. As a mixed race (hapa), fourth-generation Japanese-American (yonsei) and third/fourth generation Portlander, he embraces his cultural and local heritage in his work.
About the Japanese Garden Training Center
Japan Institute of Portland Japanese Garden’s Japanese Garden Training Center teaches the traditional skills and techniques for creating and fostering Japanese gardens, while acquainting learners with a garden’s cultural heart. The Training Center offers learners of all levels, from elementary school students to horticulture enthusiasts to seasoned professionals, the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the Japanese garden and its philosophies. It offers workshops, themed tours, school programs, lectures, professional seminars, and design intensives.
Learn more about the Japanese Garden Training Center