JFG Website Revamped!

We just launched our revamped website! Let us know what you think:) www.japanesefriendshipgarden.org

JFG Office

Have you ever wondered where we work? The Japanese Friendship Garden shares our office building with other non-profit organizations. They're such good neighbors!

We love our new office building! Built in 1919, the Winship House was originally the home for a local dentist. Newly renovated by the City of Phoenix, it features original hardwood floors, two levels and, perhaps best of all, it's right next door to the Garden!

Screening of 'Dream Window: Reflections on the Japanese Garden'

Join the Japanese Friendship Garden and No Festival Required for a screening of 'Dream Window: Reflections on the Japanese Garden' on September 8th, 2013 at 2PM. This documentary produced by the Smithsonian takes you on a journey through some of the most remarkable gardens in the world. The screening will take place at the Phoenix Center for the Arts. JFG members can present their membership cards for a discounted $5 ticket. We hope to see you there!

See more information about the event on No Festival Required's Facebook Event page.

Sister Cities Youth Ambassadors Tour

Japanese Friendship Garden Staff and Docents recently welcomed this year's Phoenix Sister Cities Youth Ambassadors to the Garden as they all met for the first time that morning. The enthusiastic students enjoyed their visit and we were all glad that it was early enough to be somewhat comfortable. Enjoy your visit to Phoenix and we'll see you next year!

See more photos from the tour here.

Beautiful Saturday at the Garden

Phoenix summer temps have arrived, but that did not diminish the activity in the Garden last Saturday, June 8, 2013! With the close of the season, volunteers performed a Gift Shop inventory and packed everything. The trailer is scheduled to be removed but don't worry! A new entry building is on the drawing board so stay tuned for more information. The summer tea ceremony was a delightful way to escape the heat and experience serenity as our guests discovered that morning. Our terrific supporters, the Greater Phoenix Pond Society, held their June meeting that morning, then enjoyed a Docent tour of the Garden. And since it was Saturday, volunteer gardeners were found throughout the Garden. You too can enjoy the beauty of getting your hands dirty by joining our volunteer team! This is one of the only times you can stray from the path and it will be all right so please contact the office to learn more. We also welcomed several guests who stopped over after attending the Great Arizona Puppet Theater show at our neighbor's across the street! Everyone enjoyed the day working hard or enjoying tea at the Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix!

See more photos here.

Garden Lecture: Japanese American Baseball

Bill Staples displays his love of the game whenever you talk with him. Baseball is what animates him and this was apparent during his lecture last Sunday. He flows through the history of Japanese American baseball with ease and specifically presents details about one pioneer, Kenichi Zenimura. There are so many contributing facts to this story, you may want to purchase his book (availabe in the Gift Shop) to learn all you can about this fascinating chapter of baseball history. Thanks to Bill for providing one more aspect of Japanese culture! 

See more photos from the lecture here.

Strolling in Yukata 2013

The annual Strolling in Yukata was a delightful evening of camaraderie, delicious cuisine, fun activities, and delightful entertainment. In addition, the MarketPlace provided interesting and beautiful items to purchase, while others were able to actually try-on yukata, yoga, or tai chi for the first time. We also displayed lovely kimonos usually hidden in the storage. Everyone had an enjoyable evening and we all look forward to seeing everyone again next year!

Many thanks to all who attended, and special thanks to Alan Jones and Max Beckman for music, Mine Tominaga for Ondo dancing, JBAA (Japan Business Association of Arizona), Fushicho Daiko for their captivating taiko drumming, Harumi Yoga, Phoenix Bonsai Society, Safe Movements for tai chi, Kenton Knepper for Tibetan Crystal bowls, ForMyReason.com, and our Staff and volunteers for their work to make this happen!

See more photos from the event here.