Exploring the significance of Japanese gardens in today’s world
TEIEN FORUM is an ongoing lecture and discussion series presented by Japan Institute of Portland Japanese Garden. These in-person gatherings bring together scholars, practitioners, and experts to explore the impact, interpretation, and continued relevance of Japanese gardens.
Held in Tokyo, TEIEN FORUM creates space for deeper dialogue around Japanese gardens and their relationship to culture, design, history, global exchange, and the connection between people and nature.
About TEIEN FORUM
Each installment of TEIEN FORUM examines Japanese gardens through a different lens. Through presentations, panel discussions, and special site experiences, the series considers how Japanese gardens are understood in modern society and how they continue to shape people, communities, and the world around us.
The forum is part of Japan Institute’s broader mission to share and advance Japanese garden arts and culture with audiences in Japan and around the world.
Past Forums
TEIEN FORUM 2026 — How Gardens Shape Us: People and Nature
An exploration of the impact of Japanese gardens on the human mind and body through both scientific and humanities perspectives. The forum featured leading voices in garden studies, design, and research, examining how gardens influence our experiences, well-being, and relationship with nature.
Hands-On Workshop at Kaitoku-Kan Garden
For the first time in TEIEN FORUM’s history, participants were invited to take part in a hands-on workshop at Kaitoku-Kan Garden led by Hugo Torii and Colin Hryszko of Portland Japanese Garden. Designed for international faculty members and students studying in Japan, the workshop offered an accessible introduction to Japanese garden arts and culture through direct experience.
Participants from around the world—including the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Switzerland, Romania, Bulgaria, Canada, New Zealand, Brazil, Indonesia, and Singapore—gathered to learn about Japanese garden design, history, and maintenance practices.
The workshop began with an introduction to Japanese garden landscape design and history inside the garden’s tea house, followed by demonstrations of seasonal horticultural work. Participants observed gardeners caring for Japanese enkianthus and then joined in maintaining the garden themselves, tending the lawn, removing weeds, and helping care for the dry landscape garden. Through these simple but meaningful activities, participants experienced firsthand the connection between garden stewardship, mindfulness, and cultural understanding.
TEIEN FORUM 2025 — Japanese Gardens: Why Go Global?
The second annual TEIEN FORUM explored Japanese gardens from a global perspective. Presenters examined the international significance of Japanese gardens, their influence beyond Japan, and the opportunities and challenges of sharing these cultural landscapes with audiences around the world.
Event Presenters & Sponsors
