Preserving History, Part Two: The Seike Japanese Garden
This is the second in a series of blog articles about projects that preserve Japanese American culture and history. Here, blog contributor Corinne Kennedy shares the fascinating story of the Seike Japanese Garden. It was created by the Shinichi Seike family at their Des Moines Way Nursery—as a family retreat and to honor their son Toll, who was killed in action in WWII. Decades later, community members and government officials saved the Garden from SeaTac Airport’s expansion plans and moved it to the Highline SeaTac Botanical Garden.
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Healing Gardens Created by Japanese Americans in the WWII Incarceration Camps
In recognition of AANHPI Heritage Month, blog contributor Corinne Kennedy shares stories and photos of the ornamental and productive gardens created by Japanese Americans in the ten remote camps they were imprisoned in during World War II.
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Ishigaki Wall and Accessible Pathway Project
In summer 2026, a team of artisans will rebuild our historic North Wall using the centuries‑old Anoshu method and create a new accessible loop path. When complete, the Garden will be more beautiful, safer, and open to all visitors — including those using wheelchairs or strollers — for generations to come. Learn how this once‑in‑a‑century project will preserve the Garden and welcome more visitors for generations to come, and what temporary changes to visiting hours and access you can expect during construction.
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Preserving History, Part One: Maui’s Nisei Veterans Memorial Center (NVMC)
This is the first in a series of blog articles about projects that preserve Japanese American culture and history. Here, blog contributor Corinne Kennedy profiles the Nisei Veterans Memorial Center of Maui. Its core mission is to preserve the history of Maui’s Nisei veterans, second generation Japanese Americans who served heroically in World War II—despite the declaration of martial law in Hawai’i and the wartime incarceration of Japanese Americans in Hawai’i and on the U.S. mainland.
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Ryōbu: The Beauty of Bark
Japanese clethra is notable for its mid- summer flowers, attractive fall color, and beautiful exfoliating bark. In her latest article, blog contributor Corinne Kennedy profiles this Japanese native, a graceful small tree or large shrub.
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The Essential Reading List for 2025
Called 読書の秋 (dokusho no aki) in Japanese, the colder days and longer nights of fall beckon us to read. Blog contributor Corinne Kennedy has compiled an eclectic list of 12 titles, including fiction and non-fiction books for children, teens and adults
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2025 Moon Viewing Haiku Contest Results
Enjoy the wonderful Haiku written by the participants of the Moon Viewing 2025. This contest took place over September 5th and 6th and was judged by Michael Dylan Welch of the Haiku Society of America.
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