Free • Family-Friendly • All are Welcome
Celebrate 50 Years of Peace, Culture & Community
Join us for a vibrant community celebration honoring the 50th Anniversary of the Normandale Japanese Garden. Experience traditional Japanese performances, hands-on cultural activities, guided garden tours, film screenings, delicious food, and more—all in one unforgettable afternoon.
Event Details:
Saturday, September 19
12:00 PM–4:00 PM
Normandale Community College
9700 France Avenue South Bloomington, MN 55431
Presented by:
The Japanese Garden's 50th Anniversary Celebration is proudly presented by The Toro Company and the City of Bloomington, whose support of the garden and the Bloomington community has helped make this milestone celebration possible.
For more information about the Garden, visit the Japanese Garden webpage.
PROGRAM SCHEDULE
12:00 - 12:30 p.m. Opening Ceremony and Special Presentation, Outdoors
12:00 - 4:00 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
12:00 - 4:00 p.m. Food and Refreshments
Tiffin Man Catering (gymnasium) and Hibachi Rolling Food Truck (outside Partnership Center)
12:45 - 4:00 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.
1:00 - 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
Guests can enter for a chance to win:
• TORO Lawn Mower
• Calligraphy Lesson for Two
• Japanese Tea Ceremony for Two
Military Intelligence Service Veterans
The Military Intelligence Service Language School (MISLS) veterans—Japanese American soldiers trained at Camp Savage and Fort Snelling during World War II—played a meaningful role in the creation of the Normandale Japanese Garden.
In the early 1970s, these veterans generously funded two of the garden's most recognizable features: the Bentendo Pavilion and the Taikobashi Bridge. Their gifts symbolize gratitude, cultural connection, reconciliation, and a lasting commitment to peace between nations.
Today, these landmarks continue to honor veterans' service and legacy while welcoming visitors from across the community.
The Friends of the Japanese Garden are dedicated volunteers who generously give their time to help maintain and preserve the beauty of the garden throughout the year.
Help preserve this treasured community landmark for future generations.
9700 France Avenue South in Bloomington, Minnesota
Hours: Open spring through fall from sunrise to sunset, including holidays
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