Taiko Experience 2012

Thundering drumming and serene flute notes filled the Garden last night as Taiko Experience 2012 performers began an incredible show! Several guests also took advantage of the opportunity to learn this Japanese drumming art. It was a beautiful evening in the Garden; the temperature was perfect, the crowd was enthusiastic, and the food was delicious. These shots are a sampling of this terrific event (in case you missed it or may just want to revisit a great time)! Thanks to everyone who made this event possible...we could not do it without this fabulous team of staff and volunteers!

See more photos from the event here.

Graden Lecture: Dr. Nick Saint-Erne's Koi Lecture

Our beautiful koi were the subject of an informative Garden Lecture last Sunday, presented by koi expert, Nick Saint-Erne, DVM. A crowd gathered on the bridge, the perfect place to draw these glittery and interesting fish!

See more photos from the lecture here.

The Tsunami and the Cherry Blossom

It is hard to imagine that this Sunday, March 11, 2012, marks the one year anniversary of the tsunami and earthquake that created a major disaster in Japan. While their recovery efforts are quite phenomenal, there is still a long way to go for so many of the people who suffered through this horrific force of nature.

If you would like to assist at this time, please add your donation to our collection in the Gift Shop. We also welcome you to join us and the Japanese Culture Club of Arizona for a special showing of The Tsunami and the Cherry Blossom. Nature's incredible force is capable of as much beauty as devastation as proclaimed in this special film.

Girl's Day (Hina Matsuri)

Happy Girl's Day! Please visit the Garden today to view our small but beautiful Hina Doll display in the Gift Shop. These exquisite dolls are an important part of a young girl's life in Japan. They are lovely to display with many pieces and gorgeous attire. Thank you for stopping by!

Matsuri Festival 2012

This year's Matsuri at Heritage & Science Park was an amazing collage of people, entertainment, the flavors of Japanese cuisine, culture, and great fun! We welcomed honored guests, felt the familiar rhythm of taiko, appreciated the beauty of ikebana and bonsai, viewed gorgeous kimonos, learned about tea ceremony, found treasures to purchase, watched (with curiosity) interesting costumes as they paraded by...and more! Each day brought fun, fantasy, and friends to share all the excitement!

See more photos from the event here.

Third Annual Ikebana Exhibit

The Garden held a treasure trove of beautiful Ikebana arrangements all weekend. The comment, "the Garden has slipped on some amazing jewelry again this year" fits the show perfectly. Ping Wei's Garden Lecture on Sunday was even more meaningful as he presented it from the Tea House. Artists and guests alike were awed by the addition of these gorgeous, from-the-heart artistic arrangements along the path.

See more photos from the event here.

Anime Night at Ro Ho En

The gigantic screen was fabulous...Japanese treats were delicious...and the anime movie was a classic! Friday night's showtime was terrific as you can see here! We look forward to seeing everyone again at the end of March!

See more photos from the event here.