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

Dear Members and Friends:

As days get shorter and temperatures cool in the fall, you will notice spectacular displays of leaf colors around the Garden. During this past month, our landscape architects, Dr. Takeo Uesugi and Keiji Uesugi spent weeks on site carefully placing stones collected over a number of years to recreate San Diego’s striking geography. Dr. Makoto Nakamura, Takeo’s mentor, was invited from Japan to assist in this process.

As explained by our landscape architect, the lower garden’s vision is influenced by San Diego’s landscape and waterways, which flow from mountains in the east, through the valleys out to the ocean. The Garden’s design is rooted in some principles of Sakuteiki, Book of Garden Making, circa 1040 AD, which is the oldest written record of gardening. A key principle of the book is to create a Japanese garden with the mood and harmony of the scenic beauty of the region.

As we near the completion of the new Pavilion, restrooms, and kitchen we look forward to your continued support for the completion of the landscaping surrounding our new facilities.

SEPT/OCT 2014 VOLUME 24 | ISSUE 5

Taste of Japan, Volunteer Spotlight, Reunifying Hideyoshi - A Photograhic Essay

Technology in the Garden Continues, The 15th Annual August Moon Gala, Volunteer at the Garden, Ohara School of Ikebana Exhibition

Calendar & Class Schedule

Donation Summary & New Members

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

Dr. Takeo Uesugi and Dr. Makoto Nakamura

Taste of Japan October 26, 2014 (11:00am-4:00pm)

Join us at the Japanese Friendship Garden for our 2nd Annual Taste of Japan Food Festival. Garden visitors will sample food from different Japanese cuisine vendors and picnic in the newly opened portion of the Garden expansion. This event is perfect for foodies and families alike to enjoy authentic Japanese food surrounded by the beauty of the Garden.

Want to be a Taste of Japan food vendor?

Contact jfgsd@niwa.org or call (619)232-2721 x 103.

Volunteer SpotlightWe continue the volunteer spotlight with Eiko Hamada, our graphic design intern who

has come bi-weekly since January 2014. Eiko has worked on several of our event and program marketing materials including our “Collectors in San Diego” art exhibition and most recently our 14th Annual August Moon Gala invitation. In addition to her graphic design skills, Eiko has contributed much of her time towards the event planning for our cultural fundraisers, seasonal art exhibitions, and outreach events. She enjoys “connecting with her culture and sharing her culture with others.” Volunteering at the Garden allows her to continue her graphic design skills while obtaining her visa. Most recently, Eiko has been working on our new Plant Guide, which will give our visitors more information on the Garden’s wide variety of plants. We hope that this Guide will further improve our visitor experience. Eiko also does freelance work and is multitalented in web design and web development! Thank you Eiko!

Reunifying Hideyoshi - A Photographic EssayOctober 31 - January 4, 2015

“I did not grow up in Japan and learn about the three famous unifiers,” says Felix Bonomo, a narrative photographer from Lake San Marcos. “In fact, the first time I heard the name of Hideyoshi was in a class on Japanese culture taught by Dr. Hiroko Johnson that I took at the Japanese Friendship Garden.”

One of the most remarkable men in Japanese history, Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1536 -1598) was born a peasant and yet rose to become perhaps the greatest of Japan’s three unifiers who ended the civil wars and ushered in the Tokugawa Era. Hideyoshi saw impressive structures as useful symbols of power and began a building program that, by his death, would produce the Osaka and Fushimi (or Momoyama) Castles. Fushimi Castle, built in southeastern Kyoto, would serve as his retirement palace.

Sadly, the later Tokugawa Shogun demolished Hideyoshi’s Fushimi Castle, but its ornate halls and gateways – some of the most glorious treasures of the Momoyama Period – were given to various temples and shrines around Kyoto. Nishi Honganji, home of the Jodo Shinshu sect of Buddhism, received some of the most prized chambers.In early 2014 Bonomo visited Nishi Honganji in Kyoto to document these treasures. In particular, he visited a replication of Hideyoshi’s castle, now under lock and key in a walled off part of the Temple. Through the International Center of Nishi Honganji, Bonomo was granted special photographic access to the treasured rooms of Hideyoshi.

Felix Bonomo’s photographic exhibit reunifies the Great Unifier’s castle and the artifacts from his castle, including the tea room, the audience room, the theater, and some of the magnificent screens and panels, as well as Hideyoshi’s summer house, all together once more in the Japanese Friendship Garden.

“When I travel, it is more important to me to capture the narrative unfolding around me than to “take a picture” of what I see, hear, or bear witness to. A beautiful landscape can inspire, but a story stays in the mind long after the image itself has left the eye of the viewer. And the best narrative photography invites the viewer to create the story from the visual rather than simply telling the viewer what I saw.”

Opening Reception: Thursday, October 30th (5 – 7pm)Registration website will be available by the end of September. For more information call (619)232-2721 x104

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Technology in the Garden ContinuesLast year we installed a new technology-

based learning project, called The Zen of Multi-touch. It includes smart phone based audio tours and an interactive touch table where visitors can learn about our garden, and virtually visit other gardens around the

United States. We are adding plant information, design videos, and historic information to an additional touch table to be placed in the new Pavilion. Additions are under development with Balboa Park Online Collaborative, and will be launched later this fall. The project also includes interviews with our landscape architect and videos that will help train our volunteers about the expansion area. Thank you to the Parker Foundation and the Japan Foundation, Los Angeles for supporting these efforts, and to Bumford Studio and Angela Carone for film and tour creation.

The 15th Annual August Moon Gala Over 200 guests enjoyed the evening in

celebration of our honorees, Professor Lennox Tierney and Dr. Mitsuo Tomita. The Gala began with opening remarks from Supervisor Ron Roberts and Council President Todd Gloria. Special guests included representatives from Congresswoman Susan Davis’ office, Supervisor Dave Roberts’ office, Councilmember Mark Kersey’s office and Honorary Consul General of Japan in San Diego, Kate Leonard. Thank you to our taiko performers from the Buddhist Temple of San Diego and Westside Inflection for providing musical entertainment for our guests.

Volunteer at the GardenThank you again to the volunteers that have been assisting us with this busy summer season, and

our August Moon Gala.

Our next major event will be Taste of Japan on Sunday, October 26th. Contact Jana at volunteer@niwa.org if you are interested in cooking, crowd management, kid’s activities, cleaning, etc.

Visit http://tinyurl.com/niwavolunteer to learn about other volunteer opportunities at the garden!

Ohara School of Ikebana, La Jolla Chapter Exhibition October 11th & 12th (10am-3pm)

The Ohara School of Ikebana, La Jolla Chapter will be showcasing a collection of their student’s arrangements in the Exhibit Hall this month.

Officially founded in 1912 in the Osaka-Kobe area by First Headmaster Unshin Ohara (1861 – 1916), the Ohara School focuses on expressing the beauty of the natural scenery. Its basic philosophy is to observe nature well and emphasize the seasonal qualities, growth process, and the beauty of the natural environments.

Founded in 1981, the Ohara School of Ikebana, La Jolla Chapter is a non-profit organization for instructors and students of the Ohara School to exchange cultural ideas and keep informed of the latest developments of the Ohara School of Ikebana. Members gather for workshops, meetings, exhibitions, and other various social events. Visit the exhibition to meet the members and learn more!

Classes are offered through the San Dieguito Adult Education Program and taught by Yaeko Ohta at La Colonia Park in Solana Beach on Tuesday mornings. Registration and schedule are available at www.sdadulted.com.

Top: Professor Tierney, Supervisor Ron Roberts, and Council President Todd GloriaBottom: Dr. Tomita and BTSD Taiko

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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 X105 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)September 13,27 & October 11 (Sat), 11am & 1:30pm Canyon Expansion Area (Free with Admission)September 13, 27 & October 11 (Sat) 12:30pm & 3pmEvery Wednesday, Thursday & Friday at 1pm Full Garden ToursSeptember 7,21 & October 12, 19 (Sun) 11am & 1:30pm

Class ScheduleSogetsu-style Ikebana Class (Tuesdays)Date: September 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 & October 7,14,21,28Time: 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, and flowers and branches.Instructor: Yumi Rakers

Meditation (No class on 3rd Tuesday of each month)Date: September 2,9, 23 ,30 & October 7, 14,28Time: 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: September 3, 10,17,24 & October 1,8,15,22,29Time: 3pm – 5pmFee: 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 at the Activity Center. Each class will include instruction and time for individual games.Instructor: Ted Terpstra

Morning Hatha Yoga (Thursdays)Date: September 4,11,18,25 & October 2,9,16,23,30 Time: 9am -10amFee: $6 Members, $8 Non-members (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

Craft Club (First Mondays)Date: September 8 & October 6 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.

Etegami Painting ClassDate: September 6 (Sat)Time: 10am - 1pmFee: $20 Members $35 Non-membersDescription: Join the fun as you learn the Japanese art of Etegami. Etegami is a picture you paint on a postcard and mail to another. The craft began in Japan and is now popular in many countries. This technique uses black sumi-e ink and watercolors. It does not require any previous art experience. All supplies included in fee. Wear clothing/shoes that may get badly stained by permanent paint. Bring a sack lunch. Ages 14 and up. Instructor: Lisa Halverson

Calendar & Class Schedule

Japanese Tea Ceremony Class (5 Sessions)Date: September 20,27 & October 4,18 & November 1 (Sat) Time: 11am - 12pmFee: $50 Members $60 Non-members Description: Students will learn the basics of performing tea ceremony through these five sessions. The class will be taught by certified instructors of the Urasenke San Diego Association. Limited slots available. Students will need to take all five sessions. All materials will be provided. (This is an introductory class for adults.)Instructor: Urasenke San Diego Association

Sewing Pin WheelDate: September 27 (Sat)Time: 9am – 12pmFee: $25 members $30 Non-MembersDescription: A sewing pin wheel is a small disc, with wool in side, used to store your silk pins in your sewing basket. Each student will have the choice of size and color for their sewing pin wheel. Grounds will be print fabrics from Japanese or Sashiko fabric of indigo or white that the student may stitch on a design. Colored wool and pins come with the kit.Instructor: Laura Breen

Tape MeasureDate: October 11 (Sat)Time: 9am – 12pmFee: $25 members $30 Non-MembersDescription: The tape measure is the last item for your sewing basket. This 2 inch round tape measure is a must for any sewing basket. Each student will have their choice of grounds; printed Japanese fabric or Sashiko fabric of indigo or white that a stitched design may be done on. Please bring basic stitching supplies.Instructor: Laura Breen

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Performances and DemonstrationsTea Ceremony (Saturday)Date: October 4Time: 1:00pm & 2pmFee: Free with admission, $3 tea and sweets tastingInstructor: Urasenke San Diego Association

Tea Ceremony (Tuesday)Date: October 14 Time: 11:30am - 12pmFee: Free with admissionInstructor: Urasenke San Diego Association

Koto & Shakuhachi Performance (Saturday)Date: September 13 & October 11Time: 1pm-2pmFree with admissionMusicians: Kyoko Takeda (koto) & Jon Crick (shakuhachi)

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Upcoming Events

Taste of Japan | October 26

Reunifying Hideyoshi - Opening Reception | October 30

Shichi-Go-San | November 8, 9, 15, & 16

December Nights | December 5 & 6

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As a member of the Japanese Friendship Garden, your membership allows you to access over 200 Gardens

throughout the United States and Canada including the San Diego Botanical Garden. Please visit the website for garden

directory of participating gardens:

http://www.ahs.org/gardening-programs/rap

Our programs are partly funded by:

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$10,000 and upElaine and Dennis OtsujiThe Parker Foundation

$2,000-$4,999Cohn Restaurant GroupMuraoka Enterprises, Inc.Wendy Maruyama

$1,999-BelowCaroline GlasnerErika HiramatsuGrace HondaJapan Foundation Los AngelesJapanese Coordinating CouncilMari JarvisKen & Akiko MatsumotoMarj MyersArthur NishiokaThelma PressDeborah RusertSan Carlos Garden ClubSan Diego Foundation – giveBIGDavid SmithDavid StricklandWallace & June Yuki

Memorials and Tributes

Shirley A. Araki and Mary Stephens In memory of Tsuyako Mann

Caroline Glasner In honor of Las Jardineras Garden Club

Donation SummaryJune-July 2014

Christina AbueloMark AdamsMary Lou AllgireKay AllgireChristopher BakerJon BengeJordan BlankenshipElaine BoydEva BrizendineMeg BruanAnna BruanBrindan ByrneBay ByrneSimSuzanne CahillWilliam CapinskiApril-Ann CerilloJean-Francois ChapierBryan ChuaRenee ChuaOlivier ChupeauHenry ClarkeMichelle ClarkeAlison CoppolaCraig CunninghamKate CunninghamRichard CuthbertsonJulie DixonWesley DolanElsa DolanErin DolanDebra EmersonCarolina EscamillaKate FlachKirk FonsecaPhil GarnLisa GarnAllan GarrettPatricia GarrettJulie GreenbergMatt HallHanae HaraMelissa HarrisKaitlin HendricksDebra HoskinsJohn HuntleyChris KauffmanNancy KazanjianNancy KendallElizabeth KramerJin Lee

Welcome NEW Members!

Hannah LeeTad LeGrandMark MahigianVirginia MahigianAlise MalleyCharles MendelsonBlake MillerJeryl MillerAnna MoralesWendy MorrisToshiko NagaiMasaji NagaiStella NeumanCarl NeumanQuynh NgoStacy PatelDean PattersonJan PattersonJudith PeeryHarriett PetersonNicholas PetittiHan PhanUlices PinaMinda PriceCurtis PriceMiki PurnellForney RichardsonEiko RichardsonChristine RiegerNicole RiegerCharlotte RomoMike RomoJune SanchezHeidi SandnerDennis ShimamotoSoroptomist Int of San DiegoMary Jo SumnichtMeg SumnichtThomas SumnichtMia UnwinMichael WalkerLinda WardAndrew WeiCatherine WertisSteve WhippChristopher WilliamsPatricia WilliamsJaclyn WinterMarnee Woods

Thank you to our volutneers. A total of 2,927 hours were contributed in June-August, we could not make our work possible without these con-tributions and are thankful for these efforts!

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Board of Directors

Executive CommitteeDennis Otsuji, President Dr. Thelma Press (Hon. Degree), 1st Vice PresidentMike Kawamura, 2nd Vice PresidentDavid Strickland, SecretaryArthur Nishioka, Treasurer

Advisory BoardMaurice Kawashima Ed McDanielLarry Marshall Miyo ReffKen Muraoka

Executive DirectorLuanne Kanzawa

Administration (619) 232-2721 Operations AssistantMarisa Espinosa (ext. 103)

Events & Marketing CoordinatorChristina Zakimi (ext.100)

Program CoordinatorSeiko Pinckaers (ext.105) Registrar & Exhibit CoordinatorMarisa Takeuchi (ext. 104)

Membership & Fund Development CoordinatorBryan Lusby (ext. 102)

Volunteer Coordinator & Grant WriterJana Zawadzki (ext. 101)

Senior GardenerPaul Johnson (ext. 106)

Facilities ManagerJavier Palacios

Past PresidentsWill Hippen (1980-1984)David Osborn (1985-1986)Bruce Henderson (1987)Larry Marshall (1988-1991)Moto Asakawa (1991-1994)Tom Yanagihara (1994-2008)

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-Sunday 10am-4:30pm

(Last Entry 3:30pm)

Free Tuesday 10am-4pmThird Tuesday of the Month

(Last Entry 3pm)

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

Volunteer Coordinator at: (619) 232-2721 ext 101 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

Blog: www.japanesefriendshipgarden.blogspot.com

Dr. Hiroko JohnsonMike KawamuraMichael Kinoshita Wendy MaruyamaTad MuraokaRoy MuraokaArthur Nishioka

Dr. Thelma Press (Hon. Degree)Justin RennilsonDavid StricklandProf. Lennox TierneyMarilyn TravagliniDennis Otsuji