IN THIS ISSUE. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Dear Members and Friends:

The trees and plants are dressed in fresh green gearing up for the long days of summer. Immerse yourself and enjoy the tranquility of the Garden with our engaging outdoor summer programming. During your next visit to the Garden, notice hundreds of newly born koi swimming around the lower pond. This is the first koi spawning since their placement in the newly built pond.

Koi spawning occurs once a year, usually over a period of a few days. Like most fish, koi are egg layers, and once the female sheds the eggs they will stick to whatever they come in contact with. A large mature female can produce up to 400,000 eggs but not all survive. As the eggs shed, they are immediately fertilized by the males that are following her.

The Japanese Friendship Garden is deeply honored to have received a proclamation from the San Diego Unified School District in recognition of the first collaborative project with San Diego Yokohama Sister City Society to build a Japanese garden at the Crown Point Junior Music Academy.

In addition, the JFG has been sponsoring field trips and hosting assemblies in partnership with Barnard Asian Pacific Language Academy. The community outreach program has also committed to supporting Mission Bay Cluster Schools to educate and spread the beauty of Japanese culture in alignment with the mission to help students be global citizens.

JULY/AUGUST 2016 VOLUME 26 | ISSUE 4

Congratulations to the Muraoka Family, Join the Garden Volunteer Team, Construct: The Art of Saori, Cute, Cute Kawaii After Party

Gohei Kobashi’s Concert, Sports Day, Obon Festival, Annual Gala Awards and Dinner

Calendar & Class Schedule

Performances and Demonstrations, Donors

Welcome Members

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A BI-MONTHLY NEWSLETTER FOR THE MEMBERS AND VOLUNTEERS OF THE JAPANESE FRIENDSHIP GARDEN SOCIETY OF SAN DIEGO

Japanese Friendship Garden Society of San Diego2125 Park Blvd. San Diego, CA 92101(619)232-2721 | www.niwa.org | jfgsd@niwa.org

Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAIDSan Diego, CAPermit No. 2949

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED10th Annual Cherry Blossom Festival Sat, March 7th (10am - 4pm) Sun, March 8th (11am - 3pm)

JFG Members FREEKids 6 & under FREENon-members: $6 Adults, $5 Senior, Student, Military

Celebrate spring and the blooming of our cherry trees at the 10th Annual Cherry Blossom Festival!

SEE cultural entertainment and demosTASTE authentic Japanese street foods and drinksTRY fun crafts and kids activitiesSHOP unique gifts

Enjoy samples from our Beer & Sake Garden sponsored by Asahi Beer and Gekkeikan Sake!

Bring your picnic blankets to enjoy Hanami, the Japanese tradition of cherry blossom viewing! **Food, beer and sake garden, and kid’s area tickets sold separately. In the event of severe weather, Festival will be cancelled. Please check our website for the latest information.

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From Left to Right: Mr. Champion (Music Academy Instructor), Muriel Bartolini (Principal), Arthur Nishioka (JFG Board Member), Dr. Mike McQuary (SDUSD President)

Congratulations to the Muraoka Family The Garden congratulates the Muraoka family for

the naming of the new elementary school in Chula Vista after Saburo Muraoka. It is the first public school to be named afte an Asian-American. JFG is a proud supporter and one of the organizations who submitted a letter of support for the proposed name.

Saburo Muraoka spent most of his life in Chula Vista as a farmer and helped introduce new farming techniques to the area. Throughout his time, Saburo was passionate about creating cultural bridges and was the founding member of the San Diego Yokohama Sister City Society, Chula Vista Odawara Sister City with the Chula Vista Friends of Odawara, and Japanese Friendship Garden in Balboa Park. His son Roy Muraoka and grandson, Tad Muraoka currently serve on the Board of the Japanese Friendship Garden. On behalf of the JFG Board and staff, congratulations to the Muraoka family.

Japanese Garden at Crown Point Junior Music Academy The Japanese

Friendship Garden and San Diego Yokohama Sister City Society have teamed up to build a community Japanese garden at Crown Point Junior Music Academy in Mission Bay.

This project was originally proposed by the visiting Kanazawa High School teachers to San Diego as they toured Crown Point last autumn and noticed underutilized plots of land aside the classroom buildings. The idea was followed up on and a meeting was set between representatives of SDYSCS (Frederic Hewett), JFGSD (Paul Johnson), and administrators and parents at Crown Point (Muriel Bartolini, Nikki Desjardins, and Jon Lewis) to form a volunteer committee and decide a plan of action.

An auspicious groundbreaking ceremony took place during the Yokohama high school student visit to Crown Point on March 23rd which was bolstered with the presence of Crown Point Principal Bartolini, teacher Mr. Champion and SD Unified School District President, Dr. Mike McQuary.

Constructs: The Art of Saori WeavingAugust 13- October 27, 2016 Exhibit Hall

The Japanese Friendship Garden is excited to announce the newest exhibit in the Exhibit Hall featuring Sophie’s Gallery, part of St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center which helps to serve adults with developmental disabilities through nationally recognized innovative programs.

Saori is a free-style hard weaving with no rules and restrictions, it was founded by Misao Jo in 1968 and is now practiced in more than 40 countries.

Many students who had not been able to express themselves through traditional means were sharing their once hidden feelings through vibrant, original works of art on canvas, wood, glass and other media.

The program became so popular that it outgrew the available space. In 1999, with generous community support, the art program moved to a storefront in Downtown El Cajon and was named Sophie’s Gallery and Gift Shop.

On display will be artwork from the Center’s students who have learned the Japanese weaving style of saori.

Opening reception : August 25th 4:30-6:30pm

Cute, Cute Kawaii After Party

July 22nd, 7pm-11pm Inamori PavilionThis summer, the Japanese Friendship Garden will

host a new event! The Cute, Cute Kawaii After Party! It will be on Friday, July 22nd from 7 pm to 11 pm.

There will be lots of fun things going on, whether you went to Comic-Con and want a place to hang out afterwards or if you wanted to go, but couldn’t get tickets and you don’t want to feel left out of the festivities.

Join us for live performances, performer meet & greet, catered snacks & sweets, Polaroid purikura style photobooth, J-Pop music videos, cute lounge decor, cosplay contest with awesome prizes, and highlights from our Kawaii exhibit! Cute outfits & costumes encouraged! Kawaii makeup and cocktails are also available for purchase.

Get your tickets today! Go to bit.ly/jfgcute or call 619-232-2784.

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Gohei Kobashi’s Concert at the GardenAugust 9, 2016 Inamori Pavilion

The Japanese Friendship Garden, in partnership with the San Diego Worldwide Initiative to Safeguard Humanity (SDWISH) proudly presents a Tenor Singer, Gohei Kobashi. The concert is to celebrate the International Peace and Humanity day. Tickets to the concert are free with paid Garden admission.

Born in Hiroshima, Gohei was brought up in a musical family; between a vocalist father and a pianist mother. In 2008, he came third in the finals held at Italy. This was the first time a Japanese person won the prize. Through these experiences he started to act as a bridge, linking the cultures of Japan and Italy. In 2009, he sang the French National anthem for the medal award ceremony of Philippe Troussier, former manager of the Japanese National Football Team, at the official residence of the French Ambassador to Japan. In 2010, Gohei performed for the Buddhist memorial service of the 1,250th anniversary of Empress Komyo’s death.

Gohei’s accolades include vocal awards of the 79th Music Competition of Japan and opera awards of the 80th Music Competition of Japan.

Martial Arts Day at the GardenOn July 30, JFG will host a series of budo (Japanese martial arts) demonstrations.

The Japanese martial arts originated from the warrior traditions of the samurai and the caste system that restricted the use of weapons by other members of society.

Learn the variety of martial arts style. The demonstrations will be given by several different disciplines including Karate, Judo, Aikido, Kendo, Kyudo and more! This event is free with Garden admission. Please check our website www.niwa.org/sports for details.

Obon FestivalAugust 6th & 7th, 2016 The Obon Festival is right around the corner. The

full two-day event will include performances, food booths, kids activities and Japanese merchandise vendors. The main highlights of the festival are the Bon-Odori (traditional dancing) and the Toro Nagashi, (floating of the lanterns).

The Obon Festival brings the Buddhist tradition of honoring ancestors and loved ones. Obon is one of the most important Japanese traditions. It has been celebrated in Japan for more than 500 years. The festival is celebrated in partnership with the Buddhist Temple of San Diego.

Annual Gala Awards and Dinner August 18, 2016

The Japanese Friendship Garden is having its 17th Annual Gala Awards and Dinner on Thursday, August 18 from 5:30pm to 8:30pm. Every year, we honor individuals who demonstrate commitment and dedication to serving the San Diego community. All proceeds from this event go toward the Garden maintenance and programs.

We are currently seeking donations such as antiques, gift certificates, furniture, theme park tickets and others for our silent auction. Please contact Jennifer Moreno at registrar@niwa.org if you have items you would like to donate.

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The Garden offers a unique variety of classes and demonstrations to all visitors. It is a vital part of our mission to provide educational programs that promote understanding of the Japanese heritage among people of diverse ethnic backgrounds.

Please call the office at (619) 232-2721 or email programs@niwa.org to register. Fees help to cover class expenses and support the Garden. Cancellation Policy: Refunds are made only in the event of the Garden’s cancellation of the class.

Docent Tour SchedulePlease check the website for updated schedulesUpper Level (Free with Admission)11am daily except Tuesday1:30pm additional tours available

Lower Canyon Expansion Area (Free with Admission)12pm/1pm daily except Monday and TuesdayAdditonal tours available on the weekends**Please see exact schedule on www.niwa.org/calendar. This schedule is subject to change.

Class Schedule

Vinyasa and Ashtunga Yoga class (Saturdays) Date: Every SaturdayTime: 9:00am – 10:00amFee: $6 Members, $8 GeneralAttend 5 classes and get the 6th Free)Description: Taejung Lee brings extensive E-RYT 500 Yoga Alliance training into the Vinyasa traditions of Yoga. The Vinyasa traditions of yoga focuses on strength, balance, flexibility, mindful meditation. It provides a moving meditative practice with a flow that allows a traditional mind body experience, with a contemporary conscious focus. Classes will be held in the lower canyon by the koi pond.Instructor: Taejung Lee

Morning Hatha Yoga (Thursdays)Date: Every Thursday Time: 9am -10amFee: $6 Members, $8 General (Attend 5 classes and get the 6th FREE!)Description: Relax your body & calm the busy mind! Enjoy a mindful yoga class in the peaceful serenity of the Garden. Practitioners of all levels are welcome. Please bring a mat & water, and avoid heavy foods before class. Mornings can be cool, so dress in comfortable layers. The class will be held either in the Exhibit Hall or at the Koi Pond.Instructor: Timothy Weir Schultheis

Sogetsu-style Ikebana Class (Tuesdays)Date: Every TuesdayTime: 9:30am – 11:30amFee: $15 one session, $50 for fourDescription: This weekly Sogetsu School ikebana class is designed for a wide range of talents from novices to advanced students. Please bring your own kenzan, a shallow container, Ikebana (gardening) scissors, flowers and branches.Instructor: Yumi Rakers

Meditation (Tuesdays)(No class on 3rd Tuesday of each month)Date: Every Tuesday except for 3rd TuesdayTime: 1pm - 2pmFee: Free with admission Description: Meditation is a great tool for relaxation and peace of mind which also helps us deal with negative thoughts, emotions and situations. Your instructor will teach several techniques including breathing to guide you. Meditation will be held in front of the “Sekitei” (rock garden) viewing room. The bare simplicity of the raked white gravel and grey rocks absorbs our thoughts and is devoid of clutter. One is able to gaze without judgment, without criticism, nothingness, reaching the quietude of oneself. Instructor: Yumi Rakers, R.Y.T.

Go Club (Wednesdays)Date: Every WednesdayTime: 3pm – 4:30pmFee: Free with AdmissionDescription: Go, the national game of Japan, is the oldest board game in the world. This introductory class is intended for students, but all are welcome to attend. Classes are typically held in the Activity Center. Each class will include instruction and time for individual games.Instructor: Ted Terpstra

Craft Club (First Mondays)Date: July 11 & August 1 Time: 10am -12pmFee: $10 General (annual fee)Description: The Craft Club welcomes all who have an interest in paper crafts! We make greeting cards, origami, ornaments and gift items to sell at the Garden’s gift shop. New members who want to help the Garden and learn more about traditional Japanese crafts are invited to join.

Calendar & Class Schedule

Cooking with Kids!Date: Saturday, July 2 & 9, 2016Time: 10:30am–12pm Fee: $30 Member, $35 GeneralDescription: Learn to cook fun, plant-based dishes with your kids. This five week series will introduce a colorful, nutritious palate. Sign up today!www.niwa.org/cookingInstructor: Rachel Filtz

SUMMER CAMP, Grades 1-8July 11-15 (Gr. 1-2), July 18-22 (Gr. 3-5), July 25-29 (Gr. 6-8)Taiko Camp Aug 8-12 (Gr. 6-8) 9am—12pm DailyFee: $100 Members, $115 Non-members Young children have a chance to immerse themselves in various parts of Japanese culture through language, art, food, and fun! Sign up today!www.niwa.org/summercamp2016

BRAND NEW! Tai Chi ClassDate: Every Thursday beginning July 7Fee: $6 Members, $8 Non-members (Attend 5 classes and get the 6th FREE!) Learn the basic formation and energy flow of Tai Chi under instructor Danny Kim in a relaxing environment at the Japanese Friendship Garden. Please inquire at programs@niwa.org or 619.232.2722.

Kawaii OrigamiDate: July 10, Sept 10, Oct 8 & 23, 2016Time: 10am–11am Fee: $5 GeneralInstructor: Yoko Kimizuka

Kawaii FeltingDate: TBDFee: $10 Members, $15 GeneralInstructor: Jessica Cross

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Cultural Demonstration Schedule

Tea Ceremony (Saturday and Tuesday)Date: On Break Until September Instructor: Urasenke San Diego Association

Koto & Shakuhachi (Saturday)Date: July 9 & August 13Time: 1pm-2pmFree with admissionMusicians: Kyoko Takeda (koto) & Jon Crick (shakuhachi)

JFG Programs partly funded by

JFG is Going Green in an effort to protect the environment We are moving to an electronic version of the NIWA!

What does this mean?

•For the next bi-monthly issue of The NIWA, all members who have registered an email address with us will receive the electronic version.

•If you would like to continue receiving the hard copy version of The NIWA, or are unsure of the email address registered with us, please contact Membership Coordinator, Nicole Garrison at membership@niwa.org or 619-232-3997.

Membership News!

Refer a Friend and Receive Three Free Additonal Months of Membership and Two Guest Passes. Please see flyer below!

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Welcome NEW Members

Adrienne & Tristan ChealAjay & Alka VermaAlla & Clive KesserAlyson & Nathan WarnerAmanda & Michael NoblesAmy & Raymond MoberlyAna & Candela LopezAndria & Jesse ElamAnja & Corey WesterweckAnkur & Marissa ShahBrianne & Ryan KennedyBruce HarleyCameron QuisengCarlie & John NagyCarol a& Niki CastilloCatherine & Andrew WeltonChieko YoshikawaChristiane & Erickson GanapinChung LuCidean & Melody KoeutCiria OrtegaCourtney & Andrew RogersCourtney & Emmen RobertsDavid & Camilla ArchibaldDavid & Erika SoucerDavid & Iris GimbelDawniel & Gregg StewartDennis LawhornDiane & Robin YoshidaDominic MartinoDuc & Trinh LamDustin KesslerEdith & Carlos FernandezEduardo MerlanElizabeth & Sean SmithElizabeth SmithFeliza PerezFrancesca & Scott WeaverGabby & Mike McCuneGabriela & Brian HollandGitta & Mark PazarGregory JohnsonIvy & Richard NgoJames CobbJames de BoerJean EmeryJeff & Paul FineJeff LoveJennie & Gilbert ChenJennifer & Gilberto Salazar

Jennifer & Mckinley BergJessica & Luce ChristineJoan & David LittleJohn & Daphne VogelJohn BautistaJoyce ChmuraJudy FraleyKatlyn ColosimoKelly & Cathy ZombroKen & Chantelle LaboweKeri & Brett MaullKevin LaneKim & Amanda LamoureuxKimberley RobidouxKotomi JohnsonLara FergusonLaurie & Jason ScavoLeslie LittrellLinda ChamneyMae & Patrick WorkmanMaranda & Donly KoshowskyMarie KrztonMary Jo & David RayMeg & Elliot OlingerMeg & Mike FrittonMelanie & David GranadosMichael HarkiewiczMichelle & Ben SchoserMichelle & Jeff WilliamsMieu & Michael PhanMiguel & Laura DiazMonique & Sean HalabiNathaniel & Kim WilliamsNiketha & Sreedhar PeddakamaOanh & Chu TranPaige & Karen Holmes-SelbyPatricia & Bruce KnoblochPatricia WarnerPatrick HerrickPeter & Kristen VanPia & Miguel BermejoRachel & Brian CastroRay & Ingrid VelchekRex & Cathy JohnsonRhianna KogutRussell & Nidia RorabaughSacl YanaguiSam & Ye TsangSamuel & Kathleen WongSandra Holmes

Sara FosterShawn & Robyn EatmonSheri & Barry StearShirley & Chris WeinmannStephanie & Peter KesslSteve GonzalesSusan HansenTao & Hesu XueTeresa & Mike AndersonTerrie & Chris WhitmerTerry & Penny HolderTerry & Phil SmithTheresa & Denis BellTimothy & Geena HeydelaarTom MosseyTom ParsonsWendy & Rick KesslerWilliam & Rebecca LeeYahira Cordero

Thank you to our donors

$1,000 & AbovePatricia CowettJustin Rennilson

$999 & Under

Hisae BatchelderMargaret BuddGlenn MatsumotoThelma Press

Memorials

In Memory of Kiyoshi Yamate

Alice Yamate

In Memory of Takeo UesugiSandra Erbetta

In Memory of Yukiko Miyahara

Trace & Mildred Kawasaki

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Board of Directors

Executive CommitteeDennis Otsuji, President Dr. Thelma Press, 1st Vice PresidentMike Kawamura, 2nd Vice PresidentArthur Nishioka, TreasurerTad Muraoka, Secretary

Advisory Board

Executive DirectorLuanne Kanzawa

Administration (619) 232-2721 Operations AssistantMarisa Rodriguez (ext. 1503)

Events & Marketing CoordinatorChristina Zakimi (ext 1500)

Program CoordinatorFrederic Hewett (ext.1505) Registrar & Exhibit CoordinatorJennifer Moreno (ext. 1504)

Membership & Fund Development CoordinatorNicole Garrison (ext. 1502)

Outreach Coordinator & Grant WriterOlga Cortes (ext. 1501)

Senior GardenerPaul Johnson

Facilities ManagerJavier Palacios

Head GardenerBenancio Carreno

Japanese Friendship Garden Board and Staff

Contact Us:For more information about these events please call the Garden at (619) 232-2721.

Garden Hours:Monday-Friday 10am-4pm

(Garden will be closed at 5:00pm)

Saturday-Sunday 10am-3:30pm(Garden will be closed at 4:30pm)

Memorial Day to Labor Day HoursMonday-Thursday 10am-6pm

(Garden will be closed at 7pm)Friday 10am-7pm

(Garden will be closed at 8pm)Saturday-Sunday 10am-3:30pm

(Garden will be closed at 4:30pm)

The NIWA is written and produced by staff and volunteers of the Japanese Friendship Garden. For more information about

becoming a volunteer or comments for the NIWA, please contact the

Outreach Coordinator at: (619) 232-2721 ext. 1501 or

volunteer@niwa.org

To join our email list contact:events-mktg@niwa.org

Follow us on the web:Website:

www.niwa.org

Twitter: www.twitter.com/japanesegarden

Facebook: www.facebook.com/SanKeiEn

Instagram:instagram@japanesefriendshipgarden

Blog: www.japanesefriendshipgarden.blogspot.com

Dr. Hiroko JohnsonMike KawamuraRoy MuraokaTad MuraokaArthur Nishioka

Dr. Thelma Press Justin RennilsonMarilyn TravagliniDennis Otsuji

Larry MarshallEd McDanielKen MuraokaMiyo Reff

Richard DavisMaurice KawashimaMichael KinoshitaRod Lanthorne