Normandale Community College will host an event celebrating the Japanese Garden’s 50th Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, September 19 from 12 to 4 p.m.
The event will be a free, family‑friendly and will honor Japanese culture and one of Bloomington’s most beloved landmarks. It will feature cultural performances, hands‑on activity booths, and delicious Japanese cuisine as we celebrate the garden’s legacy of peace, reflection, and community.
Built between 1972 and 1976 through the dedication of the Bloomington Affiliated Garden Clubs, with support from the Japanese American Veterans of the U.S. Army Military Intelligence Service Language School, the two‑acre garden features koi‑filled ponds, handcrafted bridges, lanterns, islands, a waterfall, and more than 300 carefully selected Minnesota‑hardy plants. Designed with guidance from Tokyo garden architect Takao Watanabe, the space blends authentic Japanese aesthetics with local resilience.
The following is a tentative schedule of the Japanese Garden 50th Anniversary festivities.
12-12:30 p.m. - Opening Ceremony and Special Presentation, Outdoors
12-4 p.m. Activity Booths & Displays
Kimono Display – Sansei Yonsei Kai, JASM - Samurai Hat Making, JACL - Origami Cranes, Bloomington Sister City Organization, St. Paul Nagasaki Sister City, Great Tea Road Co., Kendama, Calligraphy, Matcha, Kelly Anderson Magnet Making, Anime Twin Cities, Victoria Moron, Ikebana International Chapter 121 - Flower Arrangements
12-4 p.m. Food and Refreshments
Tiffin Man Catering (gymnasium) and Hibachi Rolling Food Truck (outside Partnership Center)
12:45-4 p.m. Outside Performances
Sansei Yonsei Kai Dance - A multigenerational Japanese American dance troupe sharing traditional folk dances that celebrate cultural heritage and community.
Garden Horticulture Tours - Guided walks led by our Japanese Garden horticulture expert, Sam Kaufman, highlighting the garden’s history, design principles, and unique plant species.
Tea Ceremony - A traditional Japanese tea preparation demonstration emphasizing harmony, respect, and the artistry of ceremonial movement.
Shakuhachi Music in the Garden - Meditative bamboo‑flute performance by Leo Hansen that blends naturally with the garden’s atmosphere, creating a peaceful soundscape.
Harisen Daiko Taiko Drumming - High‑energy Japanese drumming showcasing powerful rhythms and dynamic ensemble choreography.
1-2:20 p.m. Gymnasium Demonstrations
Self Defense Demonstration - A practical showcase of martial arts techniques by Adam Kultangwatana and Yoshi Satoh focused on awareness, movement, and personal safety.
Kendo Demonstration - A traditional Japanese swordsmanship demonstration by Bob Cochran featuring disciplined strikes, footwork, and the philosophy behind kendo practice.
2:30-2:45 p.m. Keynote, Gymnasium
“Growing up with the Garden” Karen Holcomb and Mary Sticha, descendants of the founding members of the Friends of the Japanese Garden
The Japanese Garden’s 50th Anniversary Celebration is presented by the TORO company, whose support of the garden and the Bloomington community makes this milestone possible.
We are grateful for the partnership and collaboration of the following community organizations:
The TORO Company
The City of Bloomington
Anime Twin Cities
Bloomington Sister City Organization
Great Tea Road Co.
Ikebana International Chapter 121
Japan America Society of Minnesota
St. Paul Nagasaki Sister Cities Committee
The Japanese American Citizens League
You can continue to stay updated with details of the event by vising normandale.edu/japanesegarden.
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