MAY/JUNE 2017
VOLUME 27| ISSUE 3
Dear Members and Friends: Late spring is an exciting time when the garden has wonderful freshness and color. The extra light and warmth provides an exuberant burst of growth. Around this season, the beautiful white flowers and rich fragrance of the star jasmine enhances the garden. In March, we are grateful to have received a visit from Dr. Inamori to whom we are deeply indebted. Dr. Inamori’s generous donation made possible the completion of the Inamori Pavilion which is now the centerpiece of the newly expanded garden. Dr. Inamori has been supportive of the Garden since its inception. He aspires for JFG to become one of the finest Japanese gardens in North America and continue to promote Japanese culture. Dr. Inamori serves as chairman emeritus of Kyocera Corporation, which he founded in 1959, and chairman emeritus of Japan Airlines, which he led without compensation through a successful bankruptcy turnaround at the request of the Japanese government in 2010.
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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Big Exchange, Volunteer Highlight, AjA Project, New Addition to JFG Permanent Collection Newly Planted Cherry Trees, JFG Sake Talks , Volunteer Appreciation Dinner, Kimono Dressing, Forming Youth Taiko
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Calendar & Class Schedule Performances and Demonstrations
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Welcome Members, Donors
From left: Consul General Akira Chiba, Dr. Inamori, Dennis Otsuji, Mike Kawamura, and Tad Muraoka The JFG is honored to receive a certificate of recognition from California State Assemblymember, Todd Gloria for achieving LEED certification by the US Green Building Council. Balboa Park Cultural Partnership announced the ten LEED buildings in Balboa Park naming the Inamori Pavilion as one of the newest building that is LEED certified during a press conference held at the Plaza de Panama. The JFG is committed to implementing green practices to become a sustainable organization. Our annual energy usage continues to decrease every year. In 2016, JFG spent $27K less on energy.
A BI-MONTHLY NEWSLETTER FOR THE MEMBERS AND VOLUNTEERS OF THE JAPANESE FRIENDSHIP GARDEN SOCIETY OF SAN DIEGO
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ig Exchange - Reciprocal Admission
The Japanese Friendship Garden is happy to announce the garden’s participation in The Big Exchange once again! JFG members can now enjoy reciprocal admissions to 35 museums, historic sites, and gardens throughout San Diego County!
This year, The Big Exchange will span through the entire month of May. Please show your JFG membership card to the front gate staff at each institution and mention “The Big Exchange.” Participating museums includes the San Diego Natural History Museum, Mingei International Museum, San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum, and many more! For complete listing, visit www.sandiegomuseumcouncil.org. Throughout the year, JFG partners with various museums to offer reciprocal admission to our members.
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jA Project/ Reflect Unfold May 4-July 23, 2017 Inamori Pavilion
The AjA Project in partnership with the Japanese Friendship Garden and Momentum Learning implemented a series of workshops that introduced students to the art of origami and photography, with an emphasis on the use of abstraction and symbolism.
On December 16, 2016, participants visited the Japanese Friendship Garden for a photographic fieldtrip where they captured the colors, patterns and textures of the garden to symbolically represent aspects of their identity. The Aja Project’s teaching artist Rizzhel Javier encouraged participants to capture the essence of their identity and understand aspects of their personality through photographic images and personal narrative. The exhibition will include photographs captured by the participants. Entrance fee is $3 members and $4 for non-members.
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ew Addition to the JFG Permanent Collection- Mizuya Tansu
To celebrate Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month, the Japanese Friendship Garden and the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum are proud to offer reciprocal admission to all of our members during the month of May. Present your JFG membership card to the admission staff at the Chinese Historical Museum for free admission and experience Chinese art and culture!
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olunteer Highlight
The JFG would like to celebrate one of our star volunteers, Bella Oh! Bella has put in over 200 hours since she started volunteering at the garden, assisting with exhibit installation and deinstallation, graphic design, administrative work, and more. Bella will be leaving the garden as she found both a job and an internship related to her field of study, fashion design. Thank you for all of your hard work, Bella!
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The Japanese Friendship Garden introduces a new permanent collection item. The Mizuya Tansu, literally translates kitchen chest, is currently being displayed in the JFG activity center. The chest is a combination of drawers and sliding doors, top and bottom overlapped. Tansu was developed between the Meiji and Taisho period (18681910). They were made for the Japanese need for storage. Its careful construction conveys the region of origin, intended use, its owner’s status, wealth, and often profession. From samurai sword chests to merchants’ sea chests, from inventory chests to kimono chests, from mizuya to cha-do (tea tansu), tansu dominated Japanese furniture design until western influences swept through Japan at the beginning of the 20th Century. Special thanks to our donor Deborah Szekely for donating this beautiful tansu to the JFG collection.
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ewly Planted Cherry Trees
The Japanese Friendship Garden planted an additional fifty-three cherry trees in the lower Garden.
The pink cloud cherry tree is one of the few varieties of cherry trees that do well in the Southern California climate. Flowering cherry trees have been symbols of Japan’s friendship to United States for 100 years. In 1912, over 3,000 cherry trees were gifted from the City of Tokyo to the City of Washington, D.C. Since then, Japanese organizations have made gifts of Cherry Trees to US as a symbol of friendship between the two countries. Last month, the San Diego Yokohama Sister City Society donated fifteen out of the fifty three pink cloud flowering cherry trees to the Japanese Friendship Garden that were planted in the future site of the Children’s Garden.
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FG Lecture Series “SAKE TALKS”
Last month’s Sake Talk was enjoyed by all who attended. Our dynamic guest speaker, Donna Kobayashi, provided guests with an abundance of information about the JFG’s new Path to Wellness Program. The Path to Wellness Program is geared towards introducing Japanese garden philosophy and history to participants and helping them learn how the Garden can promote and support their own wellness.
The month of May Sake Talks will be led by bee expert Mari Jarvis who will discuss the importance and science of bees as well as the challenges facing them this century. Mari has been the beekeeper for the JFG since 2012 and docent since 2016. She is always happy to talk about her bees and invite visitors to explore and discover the garden’s marvels. Mari has a master’s degree in Health Education and is the Founder of Heartlight Aerobics for Children, an after school program for boys and girls held in 100 schools in San Diego.
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FG Volunteer Appreciation Dinner June 9th, 2017
Every year, we recognize our dedicated volunteers with a dinner event to show our appreciation for their commitment to the Garden. Our volunteers play an important role in the Garden. They are the backbone that help us meet our mission. The JFG is hosting its annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner on Friday, June 9th. This year’s theme is science fiction! Our valuable volunteers will enjoy an evening filled with entertainment, games and food prepared by our preferred caterer. Please join us as we celebrate the contributions of our amazing volunteers. Digital invitations will be sent out as the event draws closer. Be sure to put in some extra volunteer hours to be one of our VIPS!
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imono Dressing with Yuko Niwa
The JFG is teaming up with longtime partner Yuko Niwa to provide yukata and kimono rental service beginning Sunday, May 28 at the Japanese Friendship Garden Activity Center. Visitors and members alike can enjoy the experience of strolling around the garden in true Japanese style. RSVPs and walk-ins welcome. Pricing and other details can be found online at www.niwa.org More information at: www.niwa.org.
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FG Forming Youth Taiko Team
The JFG is working with Noel Garcia to begin an afterschool taiko program for middle school and high school students. JFG is currently procuring drums and space for weekly practices. Noel Garcia is the founder of Genbu Daiko ensemble and has performed professionally for 20 years nationwide and in Japan. Noel has led youth summer camps at JFG since 2015. If you are interested in finding more information or donating funds to this cause, please contact programs@niwa.org.
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Calendar & Class Schedule
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 Schedule
Please check the website for updated schedules Upper Garden 11am/12pm Daily 1:30pm Additional tours on 5/13 and 5/27
Lower Garden
12pm/1pm Daily 12:30pm and 3pm on 6/10 and 6/24 **This schedule is subject to change. Please call and confirm day of tour
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
Date &Time: May 18 & June 20, 5pm – 7:00pm Fee: $10 Members $15 Non- members $20 at the door Next month, come learn about bees from our charismatic docent, Mari Jarvis. June topic will be “Debunking Fitness Myths.” Light hors d’ oeuvres and sake will be served during the evening. Please register online at www.niwa.org/programs-classes/
Cultural Demonstration & Performances UrasenkeTea Ceremony Demonstration Catch our final tea demos before summer break on 5/6 & 5/9. 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.
Corporate Memberships We now offer membership levels for your entire workplace! Corporate Membership with the Japanese Friendship Garden is the perfect way to reward employees, encourage team building, and foster cultural understanding. There are five corporate levels featuring benefits such as: yearlong 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. Thank you to our Donors! $5,000 and UP
Callan, Elizabeth Frank, Thomas C. and Lilyan B. (San Diego Foundation) $999 and BELOW Abe, Kazuyuki Doi, Doris S. Lanthorne, Rodney and Lois Muroi, Linda Memorials and Tributes In Memory and Honoring the birthday of Mrs. Rosie Doi Yamada Doris S. Doi In Memory of Tom Callan Elizabeth Callan In Memory of Ayako Otsuji Rodney and Lois J. Lanthorne JFG Programs partly funded by
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Welcome NEW Members
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Abbey, Derek Amaya, Patti and Manuel Angel, Aviva Augustine, Ed and Jillon Avery, Marie and Bruce Aviles, Mary and Alano Bailey, Nicholas Baker, Janet and Tiffany Barajas, Ann and Pascual Barile, Laurel Barlow, Steven and Gale Barnard, Gina Bartee, Sparky Bassman, Lori Baterina, Maria-Francis and Virgilio Bautista, Alexis Bayona, Jose Bearden, Lark Becraft, Nathan Beltran, Laraine Bennett, Dian Benson, Keith Bigalbal, Kelly Blanchard, Leland Bloun, Laura K. Bonsol, Jeremy Bornheimer, Tria Borso, Honora and Charles Bowen, Ashley Brehler, Jennifer and Katherine Brent, Vanessa Bridgwater, Keri Broadway, Myles Broman, Lawrence and Beverly Brown, Sheila Buddington, Paul Burgener, Sara Burstein, Babette Busby, Sylvia Cajka, Bonnie Capobianco, Erica and James Carl, Justin Carlos, Rose Cassidy, Brian Cassimatis, Ian Castellitto, Salvatore Cavin, Michele Chau, Katie Circo, Andrew and Sharlynn Combs, Jeremy and Veronica Contin, Robert Cook, Jerald Cortez, Alicia Cox, Barbara and Dave Crawford, Brad and Tracey Creed, Jim Croft, Jennifer Darney, Rodney R. Davis, Ayaka Davis, Robert Jesus, Eliezer and Vanmany de De la Cruz-Johnson, Paulette & Shane Daniels, Paula
DeBlasi, Gregory Diaz-Ballesteros, Victoria and Adan Dowad, Chris and Christianne Doyle, Gary Duque, Juan Duque, Lisa Emerson, Cindy Englander, Danny and Elise Esguerra, Maria Etter, Todd and Kelly Fandel, Larry and Deborah Farrell, Christine Felts, Jonathan Flannery, Barbara Fraser, Mike and Satoko Fujikawa, Christy Furuya, Arata Gacuya, Alex Gaddi, Christine Gaffney, Anchalee Glassman, Richard Goldner, Ian Goodin, Arles Goodman, Joan and Phil Green, Marcia Gregorio-Nieto, Brenda Griner, Jeanne and Lolita Hardison, Dustin Hashiguchi, Marla and Alvin Hazard, Diane Hee, Charlie and Susan Herriman, Andrew Hertzog, Julie Hiser, Lisa Hobbs, Will Holmes, Jerilyn and Andy Huett, Amanda Huizar, Eric Huynh, Louise P. Ibarra, Jose and Reiko Izumoto, Gordon and Nancy Jackson , Roxie Johnson, Alexander Johnson, Diane and Norman Johnson, Mark and Melanie Johnson, Richard Johnson, Tiffany and David Jordon-Starks, Amanda Jorgeson, Chanel and Ian Kanesawa, Julia Kassner , Ashley and Ryan Keirsey, Rachnee Kennedy, Todd Kitano, Margie Koga, Mari and Tomoyuki Kuszynski, John Lathom, Mark Lee, John Lee, Michelle Lei, Tabby Lennon, Gloria Lens, Dirk Levy, Linda
Lewis, Lucille Li, Sifang Liganor, Roselle Lihosit, Judith Lim, Donna Lin, Clark and Yaling Locker, Gerald V. Locker, Stephanie J. Locklin, Brooke Lodahl, Janice and Michael Lu, Mei Lucie, Laurie and Eric Ma, Sammi and Kaleb Macaraeg, Ernest and Andrea Mameshin, Igor Manjarrez, Elisabeth Mankey, Jeffrey Mann, Melissa and Mark Mansfield, David Manzano, Tasha Marquardt, Stephen Martinez, Araceli Mawchanda, Joginder Mcalpine, Ken Mccoy, Robert McNabb, Marianne Mcrae, Mary Miclat, Jeremy Mims, Ruth Mumford, Jason and Kimberly Munday, Laurie Murphy , Tim Myers, Bethany Navarro, Liza and Ricardo Nelson, Alice Ngo, Linda and Darren Nguyen, Ann Nguyen, Charlie Norton, Regina Olmos, Vivian L. Opaskar, Leanne and Mark Palma, Wendy Palmer, Candace Park, Ivy Paulin, Nicole Peace, Matthew Peck, Andrea and Gracelyn Perkins, James Wendell Pham, Lan Pham, Tanya Pineda, Antonio R. Pinesett, Shannon Piscopo , Yvette Powell, Mary Pulos, Michael Ramirez, Erika Ramos, David Ramos, Jennifer Rauch, Eliza Reed, Valli Y. Rittershofer, Cindy and Gale Rivas, Donan Rodriguez, Ruby and Pilgrim
Romano, Maria and James Romero, Jeannine Rose, Mark and Debbie Ross, Warren and Kyla Rozell, Gene Russakoff, Stacy and John Sandner, Amara Sarao, Anna Scarr, Marshal and Dina Feldman Shankar , Ashok Singy, Kanwalinder Siu, Michael Sisk, Gary Smith, Laura Smith, Stephen Snyder, Andrew and Katy Sommerfeld, David and Jen Sommerfeld, Donald and Gayle Sorensen, Terri and Wayne Stark, Sherise N. Tallal, Paula Tan, Son Tanada, Alice Taylor, Jennifer and Caden Tharp, Lolly Thibodeau, Kaitlyn Thomas, Diane and William Thompson, John and Suan Tiffany, Kim Toma, Sandra Tompson, Theresa Ton, Thuan and Thu-Mai Torres, Hector Tran, Can Trevino, Rubi Trujillo, Jason Truong, An Tsubakihara, Kent Tunner, Joseph Turner, AJ Uyeda, Robert Vaccaro, Daniel Villa, Samantha Vo, Thao and Nam Vogel, Richard Wada, Celeste Wagner, Rick Walsh, Allison Waters, Elizabeth Watkins, Carol and Harry Weimer, Chris Wentzel, Adam Williams, Allyson B. Williams, Irene Wilson, Mark and Sheila Winke, Bryan Witte-Landow, Julie Woizeschke, Mario Wong, David Xue, Hui Yaeger, Daniel and Katherine Zimmerman, Kathryn
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 Marilyn Travaglini 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 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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