Cultural News, 2010 July Issue
The International Association of Japanese Gardens organizes the 6th International Symposium of Japanese Gardens at San Diego Japanese Friendship Garden in Balboa Park, San Diego, from October 2-6.
The International Symposium of Japanese Gardens is held every two years and inspired by the growing interest of Japanese gardens all over the world. The 6th international symposium will feature “The Spirit of Japanese Gardens and Japanese Culture.”
This international symposium is a prestigious event offering the opportunity to listen and participate in discussion of a range of vital issues among Japanese gardens.
Participants will have the opportunity to hear from world renowned experts and participate in the panel discussion of issues faced by people responsible for the aesthetic, horticultural, educational, social and financial aspects of the Japanese gardens outside Japan.
Symposium sponsors include the Legler Benbough Foundation, the Commemorative Organization for the Japanese World Exposition, Kyocera, the Cohn Restaurant Group, Union Bank, and Rain Bird Corporation.
Collaborating partners of the symposium include the Japanese Friendship Garden Society of San Diego, the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden at California State University Long Beach, the Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens, and San Diego Museum of Art and the Zoological Society of San Diego.
Featured speakers
Makoto Nakamura, Ph.D. (Saturday, October 2, 2:00 - 3:00 pm) “Japanese Gardens with an Emphasis on History and Aesthetics” Dr. Nakamura is Professor of Landscape Architecture at the Kyoto University of Art and Design in Kyoto. He designed the Japanese garden at the Dawes Arboretum in Ohio, and the suite of gardens at Himeji Castle in Himeji, Japan.
Shoji Yamada (Saturday, October 2, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm, Panel discussion) “The Relationship between Traditional Crafts and a Japanese Garden” Mr. Yamada is CEO of Hanatoyo Landscape Inc. in Kyoto. He is a certified tree doctor in Japan with through biological knowledge about trees and vast experience in diagnosis and treatment of trees.
He was first awarded by the Japanese Minister of Education in 1988 and recognized by the government as an outstanding landscaper and ecologist. Mr. Yamada has also dedicated his time and skill to education and promotion of Japanese cultural heritage.
Kazuo Mitsuhashi (Oct. 2, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm) “The Relationship between Tea Ceremony and Japanese Garden from a Construction Standpoint” Mr. Mitsuhashi is CEO of Mitsuhashi Garden Design in Chiba Prefecture and licensed landscape technician. He is a Board Trustee of prestigious the Garden Society of Japan. He is the author of “Nihon teien wo tsukuru” (Making a Japanese Garden).
Marc Keane (Oct. 2, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm) “The Relationship between Tea Ceremony and Japanese Garden” Mr. Keane is landscape architect and writer. He is a graduate of Cornell University’s Department of Landscape Architecture. His designs focus on Japanese style gardens blending Eastern and Western aesthetics and philosophies. His design work consists primarily of gardens: private residences, company grounds, and temple gardens, although he also designs parks and historic districts.
He provides lectures at the Department of Environment Design in Kyoto University of Art and Design and presently is a research fellow at both Cornell University and the Research Center for Japanese Garden Art in Kyoto University of Art and Design.
Featured demonstrators
Tokushirou Tamane (Sunday, October 3, 1:30 – 4:30 pm) “Stone Arrangement” (Limited to 5 people per session. Professionals only) Mr. Tamane is the Master Gardener of the Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion) in Kyoto. He has led seminars that focus on application of Japanese garden principles to central U.S. regions. He has constructed many stone gardens in the U.S. and advised the staffs of Japanese gardens regarding maintenance issues.
Takanobu Mizumoto (Oct. 3, 1:30 – 4:30 pm) “Pine Pruning” (Limited to 5 people per session) Over 30 years, Mr. Mizumoto had been working at Ritsurin Cultural Heritage Garden, designated special place of scenic beauty by Japanese government, in Takamatsu, Shikoku Island of Japan, and founded Niwa Mizumoto in 2006. He is a Board Trustee of prestigious the Garden Society of Japan.
Dennis Makishima (Oct. 3, 1:30 – 4:30 pm) “Pine Pruning” (Limited to 5 people per sessin) Mr. Makishima in the East Bay area of Northern California was the first to introduce aesthetic pruning in the U.S. His tree work combines horticultural science, bonsai aesthetics, communication with clients and creative interpretation of the small trees in urban situations.
He has consulted at arboretums, large public gardens and significant private estates. Most rewarding of all, Mr. Makishima has apprenticed with over 50 professional aesthetic tree pruners since 1989 and cherishes his role as teacher to others. He was President of the Golden State Bonsai Federation.
Emphasis throughout the three days, from October 2 to 4, will be connections between Japanese garden aesthetics and Japanese culture. The symposium will combine lectures, panel discussions, and hands-on workshops offering attendees multiple opportunities to learn and interact with world-renowned experts in Japanese garden design, construction, and maintenance.
On Tuesday, October 5, Optional Tour 1 “San Diego Highlights” will take place from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. Tour fee is $95.
On Wednesday, October 6, Optional Tour 2 “Los Angeles Asian Gardens” will go to Huntington Botanical Garden in Pasadena from San Diego from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm. Tour fee is $90.
Symposium fees are $300 until July 31, $335 after July 31, $85 for students. For registration, call Japanese Friendship Garden of San Diego at (619) 232-0917 or email jfgsd@niwa.org. Japanese Friendship Garden is located at 2125 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101, www.niwa.org.
