Away from the hustle and bustle, tucked behind Kobayashi Hall, is the serene Kobayashi garden where you can sit under the wisteria and enjoy the garden’s tranquil atmosphere. This beautiful setting was a fitting backdrop for a tribute celebrating a man who has contributed so much to the advancement of Japanese culture—Mr. Mamoru Nishi.

On Saturday June 6th, over one hundred guests gathered in the Kobayashi garden to help the Toronto Japanese Garden Club (TJGC) and the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre honour Mr. Nishi, the founding president of both the Toronto Japanese Garden Club and the Toronto Bonsai Society.

The dedication ceremony was MC’d by Toshi Oikawa, outgoing president of the TJGC, and the full house heard speeches from Mike Roussel, incoming president of the Toronto Bonsai Society; George Duncan, close friend and colleague of Mr. Nishi; and Marty Kobayashi, President of the JCCC. All remembered Mr. Nishi with great respect and affection and recounted the dedication and impact he had on the community.

The event was a wonderful opportunity for old friends to catch up, and for friends and family to meet other people whose lives were touched by Mr. Nishi. The garden was overflowing with posters highlighting past garden club events, examples of bonsai, ikebana, and a box garden, and guests were treated to a bounty of refreshments, supplied by members of the community.

Thank you to everyone who attended and/or donated their support to help make the afternoon such a wonderful, and memorable event.

Click here to read the original article on the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre website.