Wedding in the Garden

Jennifer and Tyler tie the knot at the Garden with Channel 12 News filming! The weather was, let's see...a bit of a challenge (overcast and rainy). But right at 2:00 p.m. it stopped raining and the sky brightened over the couple! It was a beautiful ceremony and everyone enjoyed the day in the Garden. Congratulations to the very happy couple!

See more photos here.

December in the Garden

It was a beautiful December morning and here in Phoenix, there was a feeling of fall in the air. The trees take on new hues and the Garden appears new and vibrant (no matter how many visits you have enjoyed!). The sun's rays are soft and warm and a fuzzy sweater feels good to ward off any chill. With the holidays fast approaching, you might like to plan to bring your family and friends by to spend some quiet time in the Garden. And memberships are a truly thoughtful (and welcome!) gift; just ask at the Gift Shop.

See more photos here.

Early Morning in the Garden

Morning at the Japanese Friendship Garden is so beautiful! Just a few shots to share this beauty with everyone...the gorgeous shades of green all around and the lush new lawn all lend to the feelings of serenity you experience as you stroll the path.

See more photos here.

Otsukimi Moonviewing Festival 2011

Everyone enjoyed the evening and even the temps cooled down for us. The thunder of taiko perfectly complimented the sincerity of poetry reading. From the youngest Ondo Japanese folkdancer to the expertise of Iaido swordsmen, the entertainment was exciting. A sake toast to an evening of authentic Japanese festivities and delicious fare! And yes, the moon did finally appear just before nine. Thank you for coming to share the evening...special thanks to everyone who made this event happen!

See more photos from the event here.

Opening Day Ceremony 2011

Opening Day Ceremony 2011 was a lovely celebration of our new season! Taiko drumming caught everyone's attention, ladies in kimono were eye-catching, and a ribbon-cutting finalized the newly built misu-gaki. A memorial dedication and the blessing of the Garden were solemn yet special. Arigato (thank you) to everyone who made this event happen and to all who shared this special time with us! We look forward to seeing you on the peaceful path throughout the season.

See more photos from the event here.

JFG Clean-Up Day

The date draws near for our Opening Day Ceremony so a garden clean-up was in order! There was a flurry of activity throughout the Garden starting at 6:00 am as many volunteers arrived, ready to work. Our City of Phoenix colleagues joined us and so, hundreds of plants are now in the ground, raking and sweeping took away loads of debris, branches were pruned, the drip system repaired, and the new bamboo fence is well underway. THANK YOU to all our voluteers today...JACL members, new friends, and our faithful team...for all you did to make the Garden look amazing!

See more photos from the event here.

Matsuri Steering Committee Commendation

There was a feeling of excitement in the room on Friday evening, August 19, 2011, as Consul General Junichi Ihara presented the Foreign Minister's Commendation to the Arizona Matsuri Steering Committeee, with Co-Chairs Ted Namba and Doris Asano accepting. Japan's Ministry of Foriegn Affairs selected the Matsuri Committee in recognition for its contributions in promoting friendship between Japan and Arizona. It was also Consul General Ihara's last meeting in Arizona before his return to Japan. Congratulations, Matsuri Steering Committee!

See more photos here.

City of Phoenix Sister Cities Youth Ambassadors' Visit

Phoenix Youth Ambassadors received a gracious welcome to Ro Ho En the morning of July 19, 2011. Although already quite warm, the group felt a bit of a cool breeze along the path. They enjoyed both meeting each other for the first time in Phoenix and also the beauty of the Garden (right in the middle of the city!). We hope you enjoy your time in the Valley of the Sun and are very glad you visited this amazing Sister City project!

See more photos here.

Beautiful Summer Day

Saturday morning found our Garden volunteers very busy, in spite of the temps. 
They all agreed it is actually quite lovely in the early morning hours. And it is so nice to see the Garden during the summer months! If you would like to join everyone to maintain our plants throughout the summer, please visit our website for the details. We look forward to seeing you!

See more photos here.

JFG at the Musical Instrument Museum

Japanese Friendship Garden showed support for Kuniko Yamamoto's Magical Mask, Mime, and Music of Japan at the MIM (Musical Instrument Museum).

See more photos here.

Farewell to Fred

Fred Carpenter, long-time friend and Ro Ho En gardener, had given the March Garden Lecture. His love of the garden was apparent as he strolled the path with guests. His knowledge of gardening was amazing and much appreciated. We bid farewell to Fred on May 23, and shed a few tears at his memorial service on June 1, 2011. May you rest in the "Garden of Peace" now, Fred, and know that you will be missed.

See more photos here.

Volunteer Appreciation Night

Ro Ho En has the BEST volunteers!. Kudos to all who are an active part of the Garden...without you, it could not be done! We hope you enjoyed the evening as our guests and look forward to seeing you all in the future. We welcome everyone to become a part of our family (contact the office).

See more photos from the event here.

Taiko Explosion

Taiko EXPLOSION was awesome! The crowd was amazed and enjoyed the excitement as the tempo grew throughout the evening. An enchanting performance by the Arizona Gakuen School Choir was the perfect start leading to very powerful taiko drumming by Fushicho Daiko. Bidding goodbye to our esteemed "Queen of Taiko" was difficult but the evening was a fitting departure for Esther Vandecar. We will miss you, dear friend!

See more photos from the event here.

First Friday

Our last First Friday of the season was quite warm but that did not stop anyone from taking a stroll! (Who let that wolf in anyway?!) Thanks to all who came by to feed the koi, drink in the beauty, and simply relax in the peaceful serenity of the Garden. We are open until May 29, so please take a moment to stop by before then. See you on the path!

See more photos from the event here.

Anime Contest 2011

This year's Anime Contest was small but the creativity was huge! Our winners included: 

• Adult Color, Brandi K.
• Teen Color, Yadira E.
• Youth B&W, Katie C.
• Youth Color, Kristen R.

Congratulations to ALL our participants! We look forward to seeing all your artwork next year at this annual event. Keep drawing and mark your calendar for early 2012!

See more photos from the event here.

Zen Garden Music and Art Festival

FINALLY! The Music Festival photos are here! And a great time was had by all...thanks to everyone who participated! Great crowd; great performances. Cannot wait to do it all again next year...and so an annual event is born!

See more photos from the event here.

Children's Day & Kite Festival 2011

This year's Children's Day & Kite Festival in conjunction with Valley of the Sun Koi Club was delightful! Koi swimming, kites floating, cranes folded, turtles scooting...and so much more! The shave ice and the sprinkler were a hit to cool off a bit. And the taiko was great. Thanks to all who attended and also to all who made this day happen!

See more photos from the event here.

Day of Hope, Evening of Remembrance

Day of Hope, Evening of Remembrance March 26, 2011 A time of reflection and caring with people coming together to honor the victims of Japan's earthquake and tsunami. Hundreds of origami cranes were folded and many wishes were sent to the wind. The generosity was amazing as $6,409 was collected throughout the Garden that day. Thank you to all who donated to, orchestrated, and participated in this special event.

See more photos from the event here.

Matsuri 2011

The many and varied sites of Matsuri... always a thrill to attend and share Japan's culture. The weekend was perfect. Thanks to everyone who stopped by the JFG booth or dropped in at the Asahi Beer Garden. Special thanks to ALL our volunteers for all your efforts to make Matsuri happen. See you on the path at Ro Ho En! 

See more photos from the event here.

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Garden Lecture: Points of Light Calligraphy

Points of Light, A Garden Art Show of Calligraphy by Mitsugi Saotome Shihan, Master Instructor of Aikido.

See more photos from the lecture here.

Second Annual Ikebana Show

Second Annual Ikebana Exhibit January 29-30, 2011 (Ping Wei Ikebana Arts).

See more photos from the event here.

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Ro Ho En in Winter 2011

It was a glorious First Friday for January 2011 complete with puffy, beautiful clouds!

See more photos here.

Awa Odori Workshop with Ken Koshio

Japanese Friendship Garden hosted Awa Odori workshop with Ken Koshio on January 14th and 16th.

See the photos from the 1/14 workshop here.

See the photos from the 1/16 workshop here.