What is NAJGA?
The North American Japanese Garden Association (NAJGA) seeks to ensure the sustainability, enduring value and social impact of Japanese gardens in North America for generations to come.
Japanese: NAJGA とは何ですか？
French: Qu’est-ce que NAJGA?
Spanish: ¿Qué es NAJGA?
“Championing the Art, Craft and Heart of Japanese Gardens in North America”
Our Story
NAJGA’s roots date back to 2009 when the International conference on Japanese Gardens Outside Japan was held at California State University, Long Beach or CSULB. This conference brought to light the need to form an organization that would help sustain Japanese gardens in North America.
As a result of the efforts of a group of leaders from the Japanese garden field and with the financial support from the Japanese foundation the North American Japanese garden initiative (NAJGI) was launched in 2010. In 2011, NAJGA was formally established as a 501 c(3) non-profit organization with input from over 200 Japanese garden professionals including designers, landscapers, garden curators, administrators, academics, craftsmen and practitioners.
*NAJGA’s Audit and 990 are available upon request
Our Vision
Creating a more beautiful, healthy and peaceful world through Japanese gardens and championing the Art, Craft and Heart of Japanese Gardens in North America
Our Key Operating Principles
- To acknowledge the diversity of the field that includes professional public garden managers, gardeners, designers, contractors, independent business owners, academics, students, cultural arts practitioners and individuals affiliated with public gardens including board members and others with a passion for the art form.
- To appreciate the essential grassroots nature of the field through a decentralized organizational approach that recognizes regional requirements.
- To respect existing North American perspectives while fostering greater connectivity and exchange with Japanese expertise through an affiliation with our Japanese Consortium Partners.
Activities & Programs
NAJGA activities include the publication of a bi-monthly e-newsletter, an annual journal, and regional workshops focusing on design theory, application, construction, maintenance and hands-on training.
NAJGA also organizes a biennial conference. They feature lectures, roundtable discussions and hands-on workshops.
Our Mission
NAJGA fosters knowledge sharing, research, and collaborations within the horticultural, human, and business communities of Japanese Gardens in North America to ensure their sustainability, enduring value, and social impact through:
- Information sharing and networking opportunities
- Professional training and development
- Public education, conferences and symposia
- Research and scholarly activity
- Advocacy and public relations
Structure & Partnerships
Currently, NAJGA has over 300 members across the US, Canada and overseas. It is run by a volunteer board and an executive committee that have established partnerships with the Garden Society of Japan (Nihon Teien Kyokai), with the Academic Society of Japanese Gardens (in Japan) and with the Japanese Garden Society of the UK.
NAJGA is also affiliated with Sukiya Living, The Journal of Japanese Gardening.
NAJGA supports itself and its activities through membership dues, earned income from events, grants, sponsorships and donations.
Education
Learn more about Japanese gardens via virtual workshops, webinars, demonstrations, and lectures. We also have a robust reference library and Japanese gardening handbook.
Networking
Connect with other Japanese garden enthusiasts and professionals. NAJGA facilitates sharing ideas and information about fostering Japanese gardens in North America
Membership
NAJGA consists of members from all over the globe and is made up of individuals, businesses and organizations. Benefit from one of our membership levels today!