North American Japanese Garden Association

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North American Japanese Garden Association Championing the Art, Craft and Heart of Japanese Gardens in North America

Gardens for Peace at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in Michigan!
09/17/2026

Gardens for Peace at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in Michigan!

Today is the final day to help shape NAJGA’s future! NAJGA is developing its next strategic plan, and we want to hear fr...
08/14/2026

Today is the final day to help shape NAJGA’s future!
NAJGA is developing its next strategic plan, and we want to hear from you.
What should NAJGA prioritize? How can we strengthen connections, expand learning and knowledge sharing, and better support the Japanese garden community?
Your perspective can help guide what comes next.
The survey takes less than 10 minutes and closes TODAY.
👉 Take the NAJGA Community Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NAJGA_2026
Thank you to everyone who has already shared their voice!

Traditional Japanese Carpentry Workshop at Gresham Japanese This September, Gresham Japanese Garden in Gresham, Oregon, ...
08/12/2026

Traditional Japanese Carpentry Workshop at Gresham Japanese

This September, Gresham Japanese Garden in Gresham, Oregon, will host a unique hands-on workshop in traditional Japanese carpentry led by instructor Jay van Arsdale.

Participants will learn traditional Japanese woodworking techniques while working together to build a roofed garden gate for the Gresham Japanese Garden. The workshop offers an opportunity to develop practical skills while contributing to a lasting feature of a public Japanese garden.

Traditional Japanese Carpentry Workshop
September 19–23, 2026
Gresham Japanese Garden | Gresham, Oregon State University Nursery Extension, Research & Education
Participants may choose between:
2-day workshop — $600
5-day workshop — $1,200

The workshop is open to those interested in Japanese carpentry, garden construction, traditional craftsmanship, and the architectural elements that contribute to Japanese garden design.

This is a special opportunity to learn through hands-on practice while supporting the continued development of Gresham Japanese Garden.

Learn more and register using the QR code in the event flyer.

⏰ Last chance to join us this Sunday at JFGM in San Diego.Don't miss this rare opportunity to learn from master craftsma...
07/07/2026

⏰ Last chance to join us this Sunday at JFGM in San Diego.

Don't miss this rare opportunity to learn from master craftsman Dávid Sipos at Design in Wood: Discovering the Garden's Architectural Features.

More than a talk about garden structures, this program offers a glimpse into the centuries-old traditions of Japanese woodworking. Dávid will share the artistry behind authentic Japanese craftsmanship—from hand-forged tools and precision joinery to the philosophy that shapes every piece he creates.
Whether you're passionate about Japanese gardens, architecture, woodworking, or traditional craft, this is an experience you won't want to miss.

đź“… Sunday, July 12- 10:00 AM- 1:00 PM

Reserve your spot today—we'd love to see you there!

najga.org/events

Love the craftsmanship behind Japanese gardens?Join master craftsman Dávid Sipos on Saturday, July 12 at the Japanese Fr...
07/01/2026

Love the craftsmanship behind Japanese gardens?

Join master craftsman Dávid Sipos on Saturday, July 12 at the Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum in San Diego for Design in Wood, a special program exploring the design, construction, and craftsmanship of the wooden structures that bring Japanese gardens to life.

If you've enjoyed our feature on the restoration of the iconic Giboshi Bridge at Anderson Japanese Gardens, you'll appreciate hearing directly from Dávid as he shares his knowledge and experience in person.

The program includes:

🌿 A presentation on traditional Japanese garden wood architecture and craftsmanship
🌿 A guided walk through the garden examining its wooden structures

Before you join us, be sure to read our Q&A with Dávid Sipos and Tim Gruner on the Giboshi Bridge restoration:
https://najga.org/giboshi/

🎟 Register today: najga.org/events

Design in Wood:Discovering the Garden's Architectural FeaturesJoin us for a unique opportunity to explore the craftsmans...
06/25/2026

Design in Wood:

Discovering the Garden's Architectural Features

Join us for a unique opportunity to explore the craftsmanship and design behind the beautiful wooden structures of the Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum of San Diego.

Presented by Dávid Sipos of Minka Woodworks, this special program includes an engaging indoor presentation followed by a guided walking tour through the garden, offering an up-close look at the architectural details, traditional construction techniques, and the role these structures play within the landscape.

Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum of San Diego
đź“… Sunday, July 12
🕙 10:00 AM–1:00 PM PT

Registration
• NAJGA & JFGM Members: $150
• Non-Members: $179

Register today: najga.org/events

We are proud to share that Michelle Day-Miles, longtime Executive Director of Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden and new NAJGA P...
05/22/2026

We are proud to share that Michelle Day-Miles, longtime Executive Director of Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden and new NAJGA President, has been presented with the Consul-General’s Commendation by Consul-General Wajima in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the Japanese community and cultural exchange in Alberta.

Throughout her leadership, Michelle helped expand the Garden through the creation of the Bunka Centre, transforming Nikka Yuko into a year-round destination celebrating Japanese culture and preserving the history of Japanese Canadians in Southern Alberta. She also led the development of the Winter Light Festival over the past decade and welcomed members of the Imperial Family and Japanese government officials during the Garden’s 50th anniversary celebrations in 2017.

As Michelle prepares to retire this June after serving as Executive Director since 2015, we are excited to announce that she will continue supporting Japanese gardens in her new role as NAJGA President.

Please join us in congratulating Michelle on this well-deserved honor and exciting new chapter!

05/14/2026

Thinking about visiting Japan’s extraordinary gardens in 2026?

Join NAJGA and JFGM on Thursday, May 21 at 3:00 PM CDT for a free Zoom information session about two upcoming Japan tours taking place in November 2026.

Explore highlights from the Japanese Gardens Cultural Exploration Tour and the Japanese Gardens Professional Study Tour, including itineraries, travel expectations, and unique cultural experiences. We’ll also cover what makes each tour different and leave time for Q&A so you can find the best fit for your interests.

Reserve your spot here: https://www.najga.org/go/facebook-2026-japan-tours-info-session

What Are Japanese Gardens?Explore Japanese gardens through both an original NAJGA short film, written and directed by Dr...
05/08/2026

What Are Japanese Gardens?

Explore Japanese gardens through both an original NAJGA short film, written and directed by Dr. Kendall Brown, and a companion panel discussion featuring leading voices in the Japanese garden community.

The film offers a reflective introduction to the beauty, philosophy, and experience of Japanese gardens, while the panel webinar expands the conversation with insights from practitioners working in gardens across North America today.

“Japanese gardens are about the journey, not the destination.”

Watch the film:
https://www.najga.org/go/facebook-kendall-brown-film

Watch the panel discussion:
https://www.najga.org/go/facebook-kendall-brown-webinar

Photo of Portland Japanese Garden. Photo by Tony Small.

04/27/2026

Premiere of NAJGA's newest production- Tomorrow, April 28th at 9am PT

Japanese Gardens, What They Are and Why They Matter.

Join us on Zoom at 9am PT. The premiere of the 10 min film will be followed by a discussion with a panel of experts.
The premiere is free. Register at najga.org/events

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San Diego, CA
92165

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