“Happy birthday, Seattle Japanese Garden. During your 60 years, you have seen moments of emotion of all kinds. Some people came to take wedding photos; others came to reflect the loss of loved ones. There were many who came to admire your beauty; there were those who sought solace in your tranquility. You provide answers to all questions; and you cast questions over all answers. You will remain the boundless recipient of all human feelings because you are so welcoming to all. I wish you will always remain the same; important things stay above the restlessness of modern life.”
Yoichiro Yamada, Consul General of Japan
“The Seattle Japanese Garden is a verdant oasis in the middle of a big city. When wandering the garden’s curving pathways you can be alone with your thoughts, or interact with the formal plantings that change with the seasons. For six decades, Seattle residents – my own family included – have treasured their visits here. I congratulate the managers of the garden and Seattle Parks and Recreation on the 60th anniversary of the opening of this community jewel.”
Dow Constantine, King County Executive
“I first visited the Garden in 1997. It was a multi-generational outing with my mother and then-toddler daughter, discovering the koi and enjoying the hopeful calm of a spring afternoon. On this kanreki milestone, my wish is that future generations continue to find the Garden to be an oasis for inspiration and reflection.”
Jane Stonecipher, Arboretum Foundation Executive Director
“My favorite memory of the Seattle Japanese Garden occurred during the autumn a couple of years ago. I was driving by with a friend on the way to the Arboretum when we noticed a lot of people near the Japanese Garden entrance and realized the Maple Festival was underway. We decided to stop and take some time to enjoy the foliage. It was one of those spectacular October days when a grey and blustery morning gives way to a bright, clear afternoon. The maples were at their peak, glowing red, orange, and yellow; back-lit by the sun. I thought of how lucky I was to live in Seattle- to be able to stop on a whim during the course of my day and be suddenly immersed in such incomparable beauty, serenity, and joy.
I have imagined the garden often during these past few strange weeks and have been comforted to know that behind those walls, the rhythms of life and rebirth are playing out the same way they have in gardens like this for a thousand years.”
Jason Morse, Arboretum Foundation Board President
“My lifelong love of the Garden began when, as a student, I would walk down from my apartment just up the hill. Within the gate, I found a world of trees, stones, a teahouse, flowing water, herons, lanterns, bridges, turtles, and fish. As a docent, I have had the privilege of guiding guests from all over the world. I think they would join me in saying, Happy 60th birthday, Seattle Japanese Garden!”
Jeanne Peterson, SJG Steering Committee Member & Garden Guide
“The Seattle Japanese Garden is truly a gem in the crown of our city. One that is discreet, almost hidden, but when discovered sparkles with a depth of beauty rarely experienced. Just as a Japanese garden is meant to be. Two years ago I was honored to be able to contribute to the restoration of the Teahouse Machiai. Simply being in the garden for that extended period was a gift to me. The quiet, yet rich environment nurtured my deeper self such that even now, just the thought is refreshing. Those who have worked so hard to create and help this garden to grow to what it is today deserve our utmost respect and gratitude.
May the next 60 years allow the garden to mature even further and continue to touch the lives of all who visit her.”
Dale Brotherton, Takumi Company
“The Seattle Japanese Garden has been part of our Tsutakawa Family heritage for many years. Congratulations on your 60th year.”
Mayumi Tsutakawa
“As the first Black woman to hold the office of President of the Unit 86 Garden Guides, for me the Garden is a place that touches my soul. Three of the essential elements used to create the SJG are stone, which form the structure of the landscape; water, representing life forces; and plants, which provide the color and changes throughout the entire seasons, that I get to enjoy.
As I stroll through the garden the stones, lanterns, arbor, and the bridges speak to me with grace, elegance, and a gentle awareness to let me know I can go back into the world as a “whole” person who have just been blessed by this garden. I’m proud to say SJG is a service to people of ALL cultures. Happy 60th Birthday!”
Dr. Michele Ada Alston, Former AF Unit 86 President & SJG Garden Guide
“I wish for the garden to continue to be a peaceful refuge during stressful times.”
Skip Vonckx, AF Board Member & SJG Steering Committee Leader
“Congratulations on 60 Years! I left Japan 25 years ago, I have traveled all over the world. I have visited beautiful Japanese gardens all over Europe and North America but the Seattle Japanese Garden is where I feel most at home. The beauty, tranquility, a fabulous staff, volunteers and supporters... a treasure!! It has been my honor to give Japanese tea presentations in the tea room and I look forward to continuing for many years to come.”
Kyoko Matsuda, Omotesenke Tea Instructor
“Congratulations on the achievement of serving the Seattle community for 60 years! People have a unique experience in the Seattle Japanese Garden. We are lucky to have this special place in Seattle!”
Dr. Keiko Tanaka, Chado Urasenke Tankokai Seattle Association Chief of Administration
“Happy anniversary to this Seattle treasure! My family has beautiful memories of our first visit to the garden complete with tea ceremony and we hope that many more generations will be able to experience this special place.”
Joanna Thiagarajan, SJG Steering Committee Member
“Since 1966, Arboretum Foundation Unit 86 Docents have been nurturing and sharing the beauty and the significance of the Seattle Japanese Garden with its many visitors. In so doing we have immersed ourselves in the history and traditions underlying all Japanese Gardens and how our lovely example fits within those traditions. Through that process we have grown to appreciate the connections that this garden inspires between humans and nature and during these weeks of isolation and lockdown have sorely missed the emotional restoration that a stroll through the garden can bring. We join with all who celebrate the 60th Anniversary of this beautiful garden and long for the day we can walk its paths again and share its gifts with all those who visit.”
Peggy Garber, AF Unit 86 President & SJG Garden Guide
“Our best wishes to you all who have made this special garden very memorable for all of us who have had the privilege to have fond memories of Seattle with all our citizens of Japanese descent. Cannot believe that it has been 60 years, what a treasure it has become... many thanks to those who have made this a lasting treasure for all.”
David & Chris Towne, Camellia Circle Supporters
“Congratulations on the achievement of serving the Seattle community for 60 years! People have a unique experience in the Seattle Japanese Garden. We are lucky to have this special place in Seattle!”
Dr. Keiko Tanaka, Chado Urasenke Tankokai Seattle Association Chief of Administration
“As the pond warms
hungry koi flash their colors
turning adults into children.”
Bill McGee, SJG Steering Committee Member & Garden Guide
“When I am looking for strong motivation and grounding in my life, I can always turn to this lovely garden. The Japanese Garden has provided me friendships, learning opportunities, and tranquility. Happy Birthday to you, a space that only gets more beautiful with the passing of time.”
Belinda Gigliotti, Seattle Parks and Recreation
“My best memory is to be able to attend and be a part of tea ceremony in the garden!”
Terry Kinjo, Chaboshu Tea Practitioner & SJG Steering Committee Member
“Whenever I hear about a “Kanreki Celebration”, my husband’s 60th birthday party comes to mind. A red hat was placed on his head and he wore a red vest. There was no red cushion (zabuton) because he did not have to sit on the floor. He was rather embarrassed about the whole event but was a good sport. The next big birthday in this calendar cycle is the 70th, and I hope we will also be able to celebrate our Seattle Japanese Garden’s 70th year, Koki (古希), when the time comes.”
Noriko Palmer, AF Board Member and SJG Steering Committee Member
