Save the Soul of Japanese Gardens: A Mission to Export Master Craftsmanship!

■ Introduction

Nice to meet you. 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, comprising approximately 3,400 members nationwide. Our committee is dedicated to sharing the beauty and profound spirit of Japanese gardens both domestically and internationally. We also specialize in the surveying, restoration, and revitalization of Japanese gardens located overseas.

■ Project Overview

Today, there are over 600 Japanese gardens outside of Japan. However, most face significant challenges in proper maintenance* due to a lack of local craftsmen with authentic Japanese landscaping skills. Even masterpieces created by legendary gardeners are falling into disrepair or losing their original essence due to localized maintenance styles. As a result, their value as representative icons of Japanese culture is being lost.

What is Maintenance? For a garden to remain "alive," it requires meticulous care: seasonal pruning, shrub shearing, weeding, and constant attention to every element, including rock formations and fences. Maintenance must be conducted with a vision for the garden 10 or 20 years into the future. It is no exaggeration to say that a Japanese garden only truly exists through its ongoing maintenance.

In this project, JFLC will dispatch master craftsmen (including certified Japanese Gardeners®) to survey and restore overseas Japanese gardens. We will also collaborate with local technicians to establish a sustainable long-term maintenance system. We are seeking your support to fund our upcoming activities in France, scheduled for March 2026.

■ Project Goals

１. Dispatch of Japanese Experts (Paris Region) In late March, we will send two master craftsmen from JFLC to perform essential maintenance, focusing on cherry tree (Sakura) pruning. They will work alongside technicians from the Association Française du Jardin Japonais (AFJJ) to transfer skills and build lasting trust.

２. Analysis and 3.D Digital Archiving We will conduct a comprehensive vegetation survey. Simultaneously, we have commissioned Mr. Takaaki Matsunaga of "Japanese Garden TV" to create a 3D scan of the garden to preserve its current state digitally. https://for-good.net/project/1002166

1. Japanese Garden TV: A YouTube channel 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 website to archive our findings and restoration work. This platform will serve as a resource for local technicians, featuring customized maintenance manuals to ensure the garden\'s future health.

■ Japanese Gardens as Symbols of Peace

The world is more interested in Japanese culture than ever before. Japanese gardens, in particular, attract attention as spaces tied to concepts of "Zen" and "Peace." In a world facing complex challenges, people find a sense of security and serenity in the beauty of nature. A Japanese garden is a symbol of tranquility—a place where humanity can create, protect, and physically experience what "peace" truly feels like.

▲The Japanese Garden at Cranbrook, Michigan, USA

While famous gardens in Japan are crowded with tourists, many gardens abroad are in a critical state. A garden lives and grows with the seasons. Real maintenance requires a deep understanding of the local climate, soil, plants, and stones. Without someone to pour their heart into the garden, it cannot survive.

▲On-site pruning demonstration by a master craftsman

Many Japanese gardens abroad were born from a wish for harmony—be it through sister-city friendships, sites of memorial, or the passion of private collectors. In an era where "coexistence," "diversity," and "sustainability" are major themes, the Japanese garden offers a fundamental, experiential solution. However, many are currently drifting toward becoming "completely different spaces" that do not reflect our true aesthetic values. This project aims to rectify that.

■ The Current State of the Industry and JFLC Activities

The landscaping industry in Japan faces serious issues: a shortage of successors, declining wages, and a decrease in traditional gardens. Yet, globally, the demand for authentic Japanese gardens is rising. Overseas activities provide young Japanese craftsmen with the joy of creation and help them expand their horizons.

Last year, JFLC signed a partnership agreement with the North American Japanese Garden Association (NAJGA). We aim to expand this momentum to Europe. Last year in Paris, we successfully restored a garden with over 25 technicians from AFJJ and NAJGA volunteers, providing five days of hands-on instruction in pine pruning and traditional techniques. This project aims to establish a definitive "model case" for global garden restoration.

■ Returns (Rewards for Supporters)

Domestic Shipping Only: We only ship to addresses within Japan.

Note: We cannot process or ship orders to international addresses.

No Refunds: Please note that all contributions are final, and we do not offer refunds.

・Activity Report (Digital Version)

・Activity Report (Printed Booklet)　Domestic Shipping Only

　: Your name will be included in the acknowledgments at the end.

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

　: An original book designed to inspire children and the general public. 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 waste disposal logistics.
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: Flights and lodging for 2 artisans (March 21–29 / 8 nights, 9 days) and other related expenses.

　・On-site Costs: Local tool procurement and professional interpretation services.

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

　・Travel & Shooting: Travel expenses for Mr. Matsunaga to France, including onsite 3D scanning fees.

　・Data Processing: Costs for creating and processing 3D scan data.

3. Archiving & Documentation: 300,000 JPY

　・Deliverables: Creation of a tree inventory list, archiving of work processes, and development of a technical manual.

■Crowdfunding Support Guide for International Donors

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

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