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.

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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).

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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.

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