Save the Soul of Japanese Gardens: Preserving and Sharing Master Craftsmanship!

■ Introduction

We are the Garden Culture Promotion Committee of the Japan Federation of Landscape Contractors (JFLC). Established in 1974, JFLC is Japan's largest organization of landscape professionals, with approximately 3,400 members nationwide. Our committee is dedicated to sharing the beauty and profound spirit of Japanese gardens both within Japan and around the world. We also specialize in surveying, restoring, and revitalizing Japanese gardens overseas.

■ Project Overview

Today, there are more than 600 Japanese gardens outside of Japan, reflecting the global appreciation for this unique cultural tradition. However, many of these gardens face ongoing challenges in maintaining their original design and intent, particularly due to a limited number of skilled professionals trained in authentic Japanese landscaping techniques.

As maintenance* practices naturally adapt to local contexts, some gardens may gradually evolve in ways that differ from their original vision. This has led to growing awareness of the importance of preserving both the physical form and cultural significance of these gardens for future generations.

What is Maintenance? For a Japanese garden to remain truly “alive,” it requires careful and continuous stewardship. This includes seasonal pruning, shrub shaping, weeding, and attentive care of every element—from stones and pathways to fences and surrounding structures. Maintenance is not simply routine work; it is a long-term commitment that looks 10 or even 20 years into the future. In this sense, a Japanese garden exists through ongoing care, guided by both technical skill and deep cultural understanding.

Through this project, JFLC will dispatch master craftsmen—including certified Japanese Garden Meister®—to survey and restore Japanese gardens overseas. Working in close collaboration with local professionals, we aim to build a sustainable, long-term maintenance framework that supports the continued vitality of these gardens.

We warmly invite you to support our upcoming activities in France in March 2026. Your contribution will directly contribute to the preservation and future of Japanese gardens as living cultural heritage.

■ Project Goals

１. Dispatch of Japanese Experts (Paris Region)

In late March, JFLC will dispatch two master craftsmen to the Paris region to carry out essential maintenance, with a focus on cherry tree (sakura) pruning. Working closely with members of the Association Française du Jardin Japonais (AFJJ), this initiative will foster hands-on skill sharing while strengthening long-term professional relationships.

２. Analysis and 3D Digital Archiving

We will conduct a comprehensive vegetation survey to better understand the garden's current condition. In parallel, we have partnered with Takaaki Matsunaga of Japanese Garden TV to create a detailed 3D scan of the site. This digital archive will preserve the garden’s current state and serve as a valuable reference for future restoration and maintenance efforts. (https://for-good.net/project/1002166)

1. Japanese Garden TV is a YouTube channel dedicated to sharing the craftsmanship of Japanese gardeners and the beauty of gardens across Japan with a global audience. https://www.japanesegardentv.jp/

３. Web Archiving and Manual Creation

We will develop a dedicated website to document our findings and restoration activities. This platform will serve as a practical, accessible resource for local professionals, including tailored maintenance guidelines to support the garden’s long-term care and sustainability.

■ Japanese Gardens as Symbols of Peace

Interest in Japanese culture continues to grow worldwide. Japanese gardens, in particular, are deeply valued for embodying ideas such as “Zen,” harmony, and peace.

In today’s complex and uncertain world, many people seek moments of comfort and tranquility in nature. Japanese gardens offer spaces where peace can be gently felt, experienced, and shared.

▲The Japanese Garden at Cranbrook, Michigan, USA

While well-known gardens in Japan often welcome large numbers of visitors, many Japanese gardens overseas are struggling to maintain their original design and intent.

A Japanese garden is a living landscape that evolves with the seasons. Its care requires a deep understanding of local climate, soil, plants, and materials, as well as ongoing, thoughtful stewardship.

▲On-site pruning demonstration by a master craftsman

Many of these gardens were created as symbols of friendship and mutual understanding—through sister-city relationships, memorial initiatives, or the dedication of passionate individuals.

Today, as themes such as coexistence, diversity, and sustainability become increasingly important, Japanese gardens offer a meaningful and experiential model. At the same time, there is a growing awareness that some gardens are gradually diverging from their original aesthetic and philosophical foundations.

This project seeks to support the careful restoration of these gardens, preserving their authenticity while ensuring they continue to inspire future generations as living symbols of peace.

■ The Current State of the Industry and JFLC Activities

Japan’s landscaping industry is currently navigating a period of transition, including challenges such as a shortage of skilled successors, changing market conditions, and fewer opportunities for traditional garden creation.

At the same time, global interest in authentic Japanese gardens continues to grow. International projects provide valuable opportunities for the next generation of craftsmen to refine their skills, gain new perspectives, and carry forward this important cultural tradition.

In response to these developments, JFLC has been actively strengthening international partnerships. Last year, we signed a collaboration agreement with the North American Japanese Garden Association (NAJGA), and we are now working to expand this network into Europe.

In Paris, we successfully carried out a restoration project in collaboration with more than 25 technicians from the AFJJ and NAJGA. This initiative included five days of hands-on training focused on pine pruning and traditional maintenance techniques, fostering both technical exchange and international cooperation.

Building on this experience, this project aims to establish a strong “model case” for future international restoration efforts—demonstrating how collaboration, training, and cultural exchange can support the long-term sustainability of Japanese gardens worldwide.

■ Returns (Rewards for Supporters)

Shipping Policy: Shipping is limited to addresses within Japan. We are unable to ship internationally.

Refund Policy: Please note that all contributions are final and non-refundable.

・Activity Report (Digital Version)

・Activity Report (Printed Booklet)　Domestic Shipping Only

　: Your name will be includedas a supporter.

・Picture Book "Japanese Gardens and the Tradition of Landscaping" 　(Japanese/English, 10 pages)　Domestic Shipping Only

　: Your name will be included as a supporter.

■ Project Schedule (2026)

1. Jan 18: Establishment of the Project Secretariat.
2. Mid-Feb: Selection of JFLC experts and FFJJ participants.
3. Late Feb: Finalization of the maintenance plan.
4. Early March: Equipment preparation and logistics for waste disposal.
5. March 21: Experts depart for France.
6. March 23–25: Survey, maintenance, and 3D scanning at Garden Site ①.
7. March 26–27: Maintenance and 3D scanning at Garden Site ②.
8. March 29: Return to Japan.
9. April–May: Data compilation and report writing.
10. August onwards: Shipping of returns and final communications.

■Use of Funds (Budget Breakdown)

Funding Goal: 3,000,000 JPY

1. Dispatch of Artisans to France: 2,000,000 JPY

　・Travel & Accommodation for 2 artisans.

　・On-site expenses (Tool, interpretation, etc.)

2. 3D Scanning & Digital Documentation: 700,000 JPY

　・Travel & Production costs

　・Data Processing

3. Archiving & Documentation: 300,000 JPY

　・Tree inventory creation

　・Documentation and manual development

■Crowdfunding Support Guide for International Donors

Thank you for supporting our project! Here is a step-by-step guide to completing your donation on this platform.

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