The Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix is proud to partner with the North American Japanese Garden Association (NAJGA) for a special evening event, "Gardens for Peace," on Friday, September 13, from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM. This event, part of NAJGA's ongoing Gardens for Peace (G4P) project, seeks to unite communities within Japanese gardens to promote and inspire peace.

NAJGA’s Gardens for Peace is a collaborative project designed to connect local community members with the principles of peace through the exploration of Japanese gardens, arts, and culture. Across North America, Japanese gardens will be hosting events throughout August and September, with the central goal of inspiring inner peace and fostering unity in communities. The project highlights Japanese gardens' historical connection to peace, offering a space for reflection and cultural expression.

Event Highlights at the Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix:

• Peace Pattern Raking in the Dry Garden: Guests are invited to participate in raking peace patterns, known as Heiwa designs, in our dry garden. These patterns, inspired by Hiroshima-based peace activist and A-bomb survivor Toshiko Tanaka, symbolize "peace" and serve as a powerful reminder of unity and hope.
• Calligraphy Demonstrations: Learn about the art of Japanese calligraphy through live demonstrations that emphasize peace and cultural connection.
• Origami Crane Folding: Engage in folding origami cranes, a symbol of peace in Japanese culture, and contribute to our collective display of hope.
• Educational Discussions on Global Peace Initiatives: Explore key peace initiatives established after World War II and learn about the ongoing efforts to promote global harmony.