Portland Japanese Garden is excited to introduce the Sakura Society, which welcomes emerging leaders from the ages of 21 to 45 to become patrons of the organization. The Sakura Society offers a deeper connection to the Garden and its mission of Inspiring Harmony and Peace through access to tailored opportunities to engage with garden, art, and cultural experts. Additionally, these patrons will get to connect and network at special events with like-minded peers who are passionate about finding peace, harmony, and beauty through nature.

Saka’s Pond is a beautiful space with flowers that radiate pink in springtime, a pleasant waterfall, and dynamic stonework laid by Sakakibara. Below it is an area that has been sometimes referred to as “Saka’s Reservoir,” a continuation of the pond that was designed and constructed by former Garden Directors Takao Donuma (1985-87) and Toru Tanaka (1988-91). Unfortunately, because it was built on the edge of a slope, issues arose. Due to its placement, its foundation had been undermined and was subsequently seeing a loss of water. The leaks, in turn, were further undermining the foundation and causing the slope to erode even more. Altogether, the eroding slope, faulty foundation, and loss of water meant repairs were in order.