JULY/AUGUST 2017
VOLUME 27| ISSUE 4
Dear Members and Friends: The warmth of summer has arrived and the outdoor season is in full swing. At the Japanese Friendship Garden (JFG), the sun filters through the broad green leafed trees that provide a cool respite while guests enjoy the scent and vibrant hues of flowering shrubs. The JFG was voted in the top three of “San Diego’s Best Hidden Gem” in San Diego Family’s 2017 Best of Family Fun and ranked 92 out of 433 things to do in San Diego by TripAdvisor. The JFG is immensely proud of its contribution to San Diego’s tourism and will continue to offer engaging activities. The JFG has an array of programs planned during the months of July and August, including a new weekly Taiko program for middle school students. We have had two successful summer camps under Genbu Daiko instructor Noel Garcia and we will be initiating a regular after school program by late August.
Japanese Friendship Garden Society of San Diego 2125 Park Blvd. San Diego, CA 92101 (619)232-2721 | www.niwa.org | jfgsd@niwa.org
10th Annual Cherry Blossom Festival
Sat, March 7th (10am - 4pm) | Sun, March 8th (11am - 3pm)
Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID San Diego, CA Permit No. 2949
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
JFG Members FREE Kids 6 & under FREE Non-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 demos TASTE authentic Japanese street foods and drinks TRY fun crafts and kids activities SHOP 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.
IN THIS ISSUE .
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Membership News, Volunteer Highlight, Yokai, JFG Acquired 300-Year Old Buddha
JFG Taiko Summer Camp 3
Pop Culture Party, JFG Sake Talks, Annual Gala, Obon Festival
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Calendar & Class Schedule Performances and Demonstrations
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Welcome Members, Donors
The JFG has recently pledged to adopt and uphold the Green Museums Accord. We are proud to declare our commitment to environmental sustainability and stewardship. As part of our commitment, JFG will make sustainable choices and reduce ecological footprint using best practices. JFG began the process of converting all of our lighting to LED. As of June 30th, approximately 30% had been completed. JFG green waste is now being diverted from landfill to compost bins, where waste is currently being used to create nutrient-rich compost for our plants, reducing the amount of water needed to sustain them. It is our goal to educate visitors about environmental sustainability and provide an understanding of environmental issues.
A BI-MONTHLY NEWSLETTER FOR THE MEMBERS AND VOLUNTEERS OF THE JAPANESE FRIENDSHIP GARDEN SOCIETY OF SAN DIEGO
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embership News
The JFG and the San Diego Automotive Museum are proud to offer reciprocal admission to all our members during the month of July! JFG members will have the opportunity to see SD Automotive Museum’s fine collection of automobiles, including the museum’s new exhibit, “Japanese Steels” which highlights classic Japanese cars. Present your JFG membership card(s) and a valid I.D. to the admission staff at the SD Automotive Museum for free admission and enjoy the museum’s world class collection of automobiles.
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olunteer Highlight
We threw our Annual Volunteer Appreciation dinner on June 9th! This year’s volunteer dinner was science fiction themed. Star Wars cutouts lurked around every corner, while small figurines from various franchises were hidden everywhere in a thrilling scavenger hunt.
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okai- Demons and Monsters of Japanese Folklore August 1-October 31, 2017 Inamori Pavilion
The Scary! Kowaii! We invite you to see the mysterious, weird, and horrifying, yet also humorous and adorable world of Yokai! Yokai is a Japanese word describing a set of supernatural creatures, demons, and monsters in Japanese folklore. Japan has been strongly associated with nature and kami (gods). Thus, the creation of Yokai has a strong association with Japanese culture. Yokai is the embodiment of fear toward the spirit world. There are many facets of Yokai in Japan and the culture is shifting rapidly. The exhibit will introduce the origin of Yokai and its various art forms such as the creation of Yokai Watch and the use of cute Yokai in games, anime and others.
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FG Acquired 300-Year Old Budhsattva Statue
The JFG has recently acquired valuable statues from Eugene and Marian Gabrych. The statues were originally installed at the Middlegate Japanese Gardens in Mississippi.
Attendees helped themselves to sci-fi themed foods, and the alcoholic drinks included Astro Red, Megaman Blue, and Yoda Soda. We shared many laughs over volunteers attempting to play musician Scott Paulson’s theremin, an electronic instrument that produces an eerie sound often heard in sci-fi movie soundtracks. A fencing demonstration and talk by Underground Lightsaber Fighters proved to be exciting and informative. Our longtime garden assistant Abe-san surprised many of us with his exceptional kendo skills during a short sparring match against the leader of the Lightsaber Fighters.
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Between countless decorations, photo booth props, and even a mini-exhibit of sci-fi merchandise, our party referenced over 30 science fiction franchises! If only it was 42. Thank you to all of our volunteers for your endless time and support – live long and prosper!
The Middlegate was opened to the public in the mid-1930s and in 2005, the Middlegate was decimated by the destructive force of Hurricane Katrina. The 18th century Buddha and the warrior statue are made of bronze. The JFG plans to install the statues in the newly expanded garden this year. However, due to the damage caused by the hurricane, the statues will require restoration. The JFG is seeking for your support to fund the restoration of the statues.
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op Culture Party July 21, 2017 Inamori Pavilion
Get spirited away at our Japanese Pop Culture Party! This year, the supernatural will be taking over our Inamori Pavilion on July 21st! The evening will be accompanied by food and activity booths run by yokai, a live DJ and performances, and a super natural costume contest!
Purchase your tickets before July 10th to receive an early bird bundle pack! Save even more today when you become a Japanese Friendship Garden member! Member Packages include admission to the Japanese Pop Culture Party at the JFG member price, $5 off the selected JFG membership level, and $5 worth of tickets that can be redeemed for food at the event. This Membership Package will immediately save you $20 while giving you unlimited free admission for a year to JFG, discounts on gift shop items, and discounts on future JFG events! *Ticket sales are available at <niwa.org/jfg-events/popculture> until July 21st at 7:00 PM and then at the door. Please note that this is an 18+ event with food and drinks available for purchase.
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nnual Gala Awards and Dinner August 17, 2017
The JFG is celebrating its 18th Annual Gala Awards and Dinner on Thursday, August 17 from 5:30 to 8:30pm. This year’s theme is embracing cultural diversity. The NIWA awards recipients include the San Diego Yokohama Sister City, Casa Del Tunel, Council of Philippine American Organizations, Brazilian Institute for Arts & Culture and other cultural organizations.
A perfect evening with entertainment, silent auction and cultural food prepared by our finest caterers. All proceeds from this event go toward the Garden maintenance and programs. Registration is available online.
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elebrating the Obon Festival
In partnership with the Buddhist Temple of San Diego, the JFG is celebrating the 4th Annual Obon Festival on Friday, August 4th and Saturday, August 5th. Obon is a Japanese Buddhist custom to honor the spirits of one’s ancestors.
FG Lecture Series “SAKE TALKS”
With San Diego being a city home to a multitude of cultures, culture identity remains an important topic to those just arriving and those that have called San Diego home for their whole lives. July’s Sake Talk will explore this further by discussing cultural identity among people of mixed heritage. Join the discussion with our moderator Dennis-Michael Broussard. A panel of community leaders and local San Diegans that identify as person of mixed heritage will share and discuss their experiences growing up and how it impacts their lives today.
The main highlights of the festival are Bon-Odori (traditional dancing) that will be held on Saturday at the Organ Pavilion and Toro Nagashi, (floating of the lanterns) on Friday at the JFG’s lower pond. The twoday event will include performances, food booths, kids activities, beer garden and vendors.
RSVP today at <www.niwa.org/jfg-events/sake-talks>.
Please visit our website for the event schedule.
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Calendar & Class Schedule
The JFG 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 JFG. Cancellation Policy: Refunds are made only in the event of the Garden’s cancellation of the class.
Docent Tour Schedule
Please check the website for updated schedules Upper Garden 11am daily except Tuesday
Lower Garden
1pm daily except certain weekends and Mondays *Please refer exact times on www.niwa.org/programcalendar. Tours subject to cancellation.
Class Schedule
Morning Wellness Program
Time: 9:00am – 10:00am Fee: $8 Members, $12 General Description: Start your day with an energy boost through numerous fitness classes offered at the garden. All student levels are welcome. No reservations needed, just drop on by. All classes are held at the same hour and price, 6th class is free with point card. Please enter the garden through the staff back entrance and check in at the main office. Bring water, sunscreen and proper exercise items. Classes subject to cancellation to circumstances such as inclement weather, call ahead to confirm. Exact location inside the garden varies according to instructor, please inquire at the office. Wednesday: Gentle Yoga (Lisa Hampton) Thursday: Hatha Yoga (Tim Schultheis) Friday: Chi Kung (Christian Drugan) $6 Members $8 General
Sogetsu-style Ikebana Class (Tuesdays)
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Date: Every Tuesday Time: 9:30am – 11:30am Fee: $15 one session, $50 for four Description: 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 Tuesday Time: 1pm - 2pm Fee: 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 Wednesday Time: 2pm – 4:30pm Fee: Free with Admission Description: 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)
Time: 10am -12pm Fee: $10 General (annual fee) Description: The craft club meets the first Monday of each month. Each session, the group makes unique items which the Garden offers for sale at the main entrance. The crafts include book markers, note cards, and gift cards.
Sake Talks (Third Tuesdays)
Date &Time: July 18 , 5pm – 7pm Fee: $10 Members $15 Non- members $20 at the door Participate in the JFG monthly lecture series with remarkable speakers about current events, trends, personal stories and experiences. Light hors d’oeuvres and sake wil be served during the evening. Visit our website for topics and registration at www. niwa.org/programs-classes.
Cultural Demonstration & Performances UrasenkeTea Ceremony Demonstration Summer Break NO TEA CEREMONY FOR THE MONTHS OF JUNE-AUGUST It is generally held two times a month on the first Saturday and second Tuesday of the month, but occasionally it may be held on a different date than usual. Free with admission. The Saturday tea and sweets tasting is $3.Presented by Urasenke San Diego Association. Please visit our website for specific dates.
Koto & Shakuhachi (Saturday)
It is generally held once per month on the second Saturday of the month, but occasionally it may be held on a different date than usual. Free with admission. Presented by Kyoko Takeda (koto) & Jon Crick (shakuhachi). Please visit our website for specific dates.
Kimono Dressing (Saturday) Date &Time: July 23 &August 27, 1pm – 2pm Fee: Please see website Try on a beautiful kimono at the Japanese Friendship Garden. Children, teenagers, and adults are all welcome! See Website for reservation and fee information Instructor: Yuko Niwa
Join the JFG Docent Team! Are you interested in Japanese culture or in gardening in general? Consider becoming a docent—tour guide— at the Japanese Friendship Garden. Docents are the public face of the garden, enhancing the experience of thousands of visitors every year though education. People of all backgrounds, ages, and experience are welcome to join a dynamic team. Eight weeks of training begin on September 13 and are held every Wednesday morning 10am -12pm at the garden with guest speakers. Topics include customer service tips, local history, Japanese landscaping principles, religious influence, botany, and more. Please contact program coordinator Frederic Hewett at 619.232.2722 or programs@ niwa.org for more information.
Corporate Memberships We now offer membership levels for your entire workplace! Corporate Membership with the JFG is the perfect way to reward employees, encourage team building, and foster cultural understanding. There are five corporate levels featuring benefits such as year-long memberships for employees and their families, corporate recognition in our newsletter and website, tickets to JFG’s Annual Gala, discounts on corporate events and more! If you’re looking for an exceptional wellness benefit package for your company, contact Gerry Casupang, JFG Membership Coordinator at 619-232-3997 or visit our website at www.niwa.org for more information.
JFG Programs partly funded by
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Welcome NEW Members Alai, Shae Albano, Patricia Alcock, Meredith & Robert Altbaum, Kara & Daniel Anjomshoaa, Alexis & Brandon Attaya, Adeline Bagnol, Corinne & Didier Baiamonte, Frank & Heather Barnhill, Teresa & Scott Bigornia, Debbie & Robert Bogardus, Andrea & Ernie Bongard, Harrison Borst, Elizabeth & Kristine Boyd, Jeff & Kira Brunkow, Steve Burnett, Kathleen Bushley, Nancy L. Ceisel, John & Tslil Christie, Nicholas Conte, Anne & Vicki Cotner, Christine & Mark Cowan, Levi Denio, Dale Eckenrod, Molly Edelstein, Barry & Hilit Fayazrad, Amy & Justin Fernberg, Lauren Fine, Jeff & Paul Fiorentini, Shelly Fletcher, Victoria & Kelleen Flores, Joaquin Gilkerson, Sharon & Sharon Horgen, Susan & Mark Jantz, Patrick Johnson-Bongard, Leilia Jones, Sarah & Jefferson Joya, Jazzlyn De & Andrew
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Kaprielian, Todd Karlstad, Heather & John Khalsa,Guru Mantra & Meharbani Kinsinger, Wendy & Corrina Kraus, Connie & Martin Kubicek, Miriam Lagunas, Yvette Land, Joshua & Meghan Langley, Amy & Bruce Lou, Pete & Amy Louie, David & Laurie Mastrili, Noelle & Tom Joshua McKay, Priscilla Mistica, Cristine Ochoa, Laura Oleynick, Gary & Barbara Olivier, Alexa, Barbara & Michael Pollock, Joshua Prema, Jay & Ebony Puksta, Nancy & Charles Roth, Tiffani Rubio, Diana & Jose Rumney, Richard Sabetti, Margaret & Michael Scott-Nevonen, Kelly Shoft, Nicole Siegel, Amy Smithers, Jeff Soto, Martin & Cheryl Summers, Randall & Anthea Thompson, Kira Wagner, Stephen Weinreich, Kimberly Williams, M. Wills Wu, John & Lisa Young, Melissa
Thank you to our Donors! $1,000 and UP
Miyahira, Harrison & Helen $999 and BELOW Bricker, Lauren Otsuji, Dennis
Memorials and Tributes In Memory of Ayako Otsuji Dennis & Elaine Otsuji Joyce & Koichi Yamamoto Jeffrey & Akiko Yamamoto Kevin Yamamoto
Japanese Friendship Garden Board and Staff Board of Directors Dr. Hiroko Johnson Mike Kawamura Roy Muraoka Tad Muraoka Arthur Nishioka
Dr. Thelma Press Justin Rennilson Cece Schellstede Dennis Otsuji
Executive Committee
Dennis Otsuji, President Dr. Thelma Press, 1st Vice President Mike Kawamura, 2nd Vice President Arthur Nishioka, Treasurer Tad Muraoka, Secretary
Advisory Board Richard Davis Maurice Kawashima Michael Kinoshita Rod Lanthorne Larry Marshall
Ed McDaniel Shaghel Mohd Ken Muraoka Miyo Reff
Executive Director Luanne Kanzawa Administration (619) 232-2721 Operations Assistant Marisa Rodriguez (ext. 1503) Private Events Christina Zakimi (ext 1500) Events & Marketing Coordinator Jonathan Osio (ext 1506) Program Coordinator Frederic Hewett (ext.1505) Registrar & Exhibit Coordinator Emiko Scudder (ext. 1504)
Contact Us: For more information about these events please call the Garden at (619) 232-2721. Garden Hours: Monday-Sunday 10am-7pm (Last entry 6:00pm)
The Garden may close early for special events, please visit our website for more information. 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-marketing@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
Membership & Fund Development Coordinator Gerry Casupang (ext. 1502) Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator Sara Shah (ext. 1501) Head Gardener Benancio Carreno headgardener@niwa.org
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