Kyle Porter, Nisa Miranda Spring Intern     

     Hidden under the illuminating shadows of Japanese maples in Monte Sano State Park, the peace and serenity of Japanese culture blossomed like the colorful azaleas native to the area. In 1988, the North Alabama Japanese Garden was established in an undeveloped area of the park by Master Gardener and landscape designer, Mr. Robert Black. However, the gardens were not commissioned by the state or Monte Sano State Park themselves–the story of the gardens is as authentic as the serenity it brings towards the community. In the mid-1980’s, Mr. Black was approached by his daughter, who had just read the book “Secret Garden”, authored by Frances Hodgson Burnett. Her youthful insight and passion for Burnett's fictional yet magical gardens brought about the idea of having their own secret garden. Mr. Black’s daughter spoke to the Monte Sano Park Ranger with the same jubilance as she had with her father, and the concept of the Japanese Gardens came to fruition. Mr. Black had always had an appreciation for Japanese culture, especially the detail and serenity it brought to his life. He loved the beauty of bonsai trees, and had a growing passion for Japanese culture and tradition. When the opportunity came to build a Japanese garden in the state park, Mr. Black forwarded his passions and began to construct the beautiful Japanese garden that sits in the shadows of Monte Sano State Park today. 

     Through years of detailed construction, cultural research, and assistance from friends and the community, the North Alabama Japanese Garden began to welcome guests and serve as a statute of peace and tranquility. Mr. Black committed years of his life towards the fruition of this garden as a simple way to further his love and passion for Japanese culture, and provide a place where anyone can enjoy its quiet atmosphere and beautiful Japanese aesthetic. With no payment, commission, or monetary reimbursement for his works, Mr. Black highlighted his appreciation for such an opportunity, and commitment towards the surrounding community. Mr. Black also attributed the success of the garden towards the friends and peers that have supported him and the developing garden along the way, especially Mr. Kozo Matsuda. 

     Today, the North Alabama Japanese Garden continues to serve the surrounding community as a place of quiet serenity and cultural exchange! The gardens themself highlight the nature of Japanese culture through authentic structures such as a traditional tea house, tori gate, and bridges that lead over flowing streams and through bamboo forests. One of the most symbolic elements is the Zen rock garden (枯山水). Using various stones, it represents the flow of water and even clouds seen from above. However, these patterns are easily disturbed by wind or by people walking nearby. In Japan, this is seen as a reflection of the human mind—rather than resisting change or disturbance, one simply restores the pattern at the end of the day. It teaches us that no matter what happens, we can return to a place of balance and calm. This spirit of renewal and quiet resilience lives within the garden, and the garden reflects traditional Japanese values through its deep respect for nature and its effort to preserve authenticity. 

     On a daily basis, the gardens serve as a peaceful setting for visitors from all over the state to visit and enjoy the natural beauty that's brought about. The garden also hosts a variety of events and programs throughout the year, with the Japanese Spring Festival being one of the largest events, held on Sunday, May 3rd. The festival features a wide range of cultural performances, including traditional Japanese dance, live music, kendo demonstrations, and ninja performances. Visitors can also enjoy a cherry tree planting ceremony commemorating the 250th anniversary of American independence, as well as an authentic tea ceremony. In addition, the festival welcomes Japanese antique vendors, cultural activities such as kendama, origami, and calligraphy, and opportunities to explore and experience Japanese traditions firsthand. 

     In a life full of busy schedules and daily work, the North Alabama Japanese Garden brings a unique and valuable commodity to Monte Sano State Park and the surrounding community–peace and serenity. With its highlights of Japanese natural beauty, and its detailed appreciation for Japanese culture and tradition, the North Alabama Japanese Garden serves as a statute of cultural appreciation and a simple place where people can enjoy the serenity of their own secret garden, just like Mr. Black did all those years ago. 

Thank you to Mr. Robert Black and Ms. Sumi Sanders for their valuable time, insight, and support towards the writing of this article. 

North Alabama Japanese Garden Vintage Doll Fund Raising

Mr. Mike and Mrs. Donna Williams donated the vintage Japanese doll collection that belonged to his mother, Satsu Harada Williams, for our Japanese Garden. We are so grateful for this donation, and we would like to use the sale for our garden maintenance and renovations. Please feel free to message us via Facebook if you are interested in the purchase from the link!

Japanese Geisha Maiko Doll --- $220

----------Description from Mr. Mike Williams----------

My parents met after World War II in Yokohama, Japan. My father's military service took him all over Southeast Asia. They were stationed in Okinawa where my mother began lessons on how to make dolls. She made a few of these dolls but the other were purchased as part of her collection. The wooden dolls belonged to my mother as a child, as I was told. We settled as a family in Louisiana at Fort Polk which was my father's last duty station in the US Army. The dolls were proudly displayed in our family home from my earliest memory. My Mother passed away from cancer in 2011. That was when I took possession of the collection. Before Donna and I got married, I needed to downsize my home. That was when I reached out to the Japanese Society of Alabama. Mike Swinson and I connected. We came up with a few ideas and the one I liked the most was to donate the collection to the society so that they could have them in an auction or as gifts to speakers. I love the idea, that others would enjoy them as much as my family has for all these years.

In the Spring of 2024, Alabama House Representatives Mike Shaw and Kerry Underwood sponsored House Resolution 143 that established the Japan Alabama House Legislative Exchange Group with a purpose “to pursue friendship and cooperation between the members of the House of Representatives and the people, government, and businesses of Japan.”

This resolution proved to be the foundation that made March 4, 2025 one of the most noteworthy days for JASA and Alabama-Japan relations.  On this day at the Alabama Capitol complex, House Representatives Shaw and Underwood were joined by Representative Joe Lovvorn who sponsored House Resolution 80 which honors “the long-lasting friendship between the State of Alabama, this body, and the nation of Japan.” Additionally, Alabama Senator Arthur Orr sponsored a Senate Resolution with the same honor. At the opening of the session, Consul General Mio Maeda and Honorary Consul General were recognized by the House body.

After the session ended, Japan Day was held in the Alabama House Building where about a dozen Japanese companies exhibited to about 2/3 of the legislative body their company’s products, and economic and cultural contributions to the State of Alabama. Japan Day was a successful coordination between the office of the Japan Consul General for Southeast U.S.; Sandy Riordan, consultant to the Consul General; and JASA Governmental Affairs Committee chair Steve Pelham.

The day concluded with a dinner hosted by the Consuls General, attended by several key legislators and JASA staff, marking March 4, 2025, as a pivotal day for Alabama-Japan relations. Plans for Japan Day 2026 are already underway, promising even more opportunities for collaboration and engagement!

Here is the link to the video of Japan Day: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1U0kPma7QdzQzKJdqKjy6o_pea5pv8yYP/view?usp=sharing

https://www.airuniversity.af.edu/News/Display/Article/3910452/air-university-repatriates-wwii-era-japanese-flag/

"Like many World War II veterans, U.S. Army Cpl. Arthur G. Thompson, serving with the 117th Engineer Regiment, returned home with souvenirs from his time at war. Among them was a Japanese flag that he found after the Battle of Luzon in the Philippines.

As years passed, Thompson often expressed his desire to find the family of the Japanese solider who carried it into battle, but not knowing where to begin, it continued to be passed down for two generations, and has most recently been in the possession of his granddaughter Sarah and her husband, Col. Ryan Stebbins, the Eaker Center for Leadership Development Force Support Professional Development School director.

“Since I am the only service member in the family, the flag was given to us,” said Stebbins. “When we got stationed at Air University, Sarah decided to contact the historian to see what he could recommend with the flag. After considering many options, it became clear that we wanted to honor Cpl. Thompson’s wishes and try to repatriate it back to Japan.”

Although the decision to repatriate was fairly easy, locating the recipient proved to be a challenge. Mr. David Bonner, the Air University historian responsible for coordinating the repatriation, met with Japanese Col. Hirokazu Honda, an Air War College student, to translate the information on the flag. 

“I am very honored to join this project,” said Honda “Because for us, our military members, at that time we were enemies. He served for his country, same as us. It has special meaning, that flag, and it has a meaning of good luck, both in war and a wish to come home safely. The war was a hard time, but this flag coming back to his society, it will be a very happy day.”

The flag was identified as a “Good Luck Flag.” During the Pacific War, it was common for Japanese soldiers to carry a Yosegaki Hinomaru (Good Luck Flag) or a Senninbari (Thousand Stitch Band) when going into combat. The four kanji characters at the top of the flag are roughly translated as “May your fortunes be everlasting.”

Honda was able to quickly identify the soldier as Shinyo Huruyasiki, and noted that his home in Japan was easy to identify as his name is unique to a specific region in his homeland. Once identified, Bonner found a nonprofit that assists with the repatriation process.

“I will be sending the flag to The Obon Society,” said Bonner. “It’s a nonprofit organization that specializes in repatriating Japanese war memorabilia. They were recommended by both the National Infantry Museum and the Japanese Embassy.” 

Thompson’s family feels grateful that after nearly 80 years, the family of Shinyo Huruyasiki will once again possess an important and special piece of history."

The Japan America Society of Alabama (JASA) is seeking to fill the position of Assistant Director. The position may be full-time (30+ hours/week), part-time (10-20 hours week), or on a project basis depending on the applicant’s ability to meet the requirements of the JASA Assistant Director Job Description (included below).

Compensation will be determined by the needs of JASA and the applicant’s ability to meet the requirements of the job description but is expected to be in the $20.00-$25.00/hour range. Work will be conducted remotely from home and/or virtually, but there are significant in-person requirements. Applicants must reside in Alabama and be able to represent the JASA membership, most of whom are located in central and north Alabama. There are no benefits associated with this position. Start date is flexible but is expected to be around April 1, 2025.

Applications should include a resume’ and written explanation (no more than one page) of why the applicant is interested in and qualified for this position. Providing at least one letter of recommendation is encouraged. Applications should be sent to HR@JASAweb.org by February 15, 2025, 5:00pm.

See the JASA Assistant Director Job Description.

AL.com: Mazda considers shifting production to Alabama plant in response to proposed Trump tariffs

The auto industry is concerned about a proposed 25% tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada. Mazda, which produces vehicles in Mexico, may shift some production to its joint plant with Toyota in Huntsville, Alabama, to avoid the tariff. This move could benefit Alabama, as Mazda looks to adapt to the potential cost increase from the tariffs.

CNN: Nissan and Honda announce merger plans to create world’s no. 3 automaker

Honda and Nissan have agreed to discuss a potential merger, which would create the world’s third-largest automaker, behind Toyota and Volkswagen. Mitsubishi will also join the talks. The merger aims to help the companies compete with Chinese automakers and the shift to electric vehicles. However, past mergers in the industry have faced challenges, and Nissan is currently struggling with financial issues. Analysts predict more industry consolidation may follow.

Huntsville, AL — The North Alabama Japanese Garden Foundation (NAJGF) is pleased to announce that Mazda Toyota Manufacturing (MTM) has become a generous sponsor of NAJGF which allowed its representatives to attend the 2024 Japan-America Society of Alabama (JASA) Annual Celebration Dinner. "We are deeply grateful to MTM for their continued support," said Sumie Sanders, Executive Director and President of the Board of NAJGF. "Their generosity not only enables us to participate in this significant event but also strengthens our shared mission of being a bridge between the United States and Japan."

Founded in 1988 by Master Gardener Mr. Robert Black, the North Alabama Japanese Garden is located in the heart of Monte Sano State Park. The first annual Spring Festival was held in 1992, and the iconic Teahouse was built the next year. When Mr. Black became ill and could no longer maintain the garden, it was lovingly rebuilt by Mr. Kozo Matsuda, Mr. Mark Jackson, then-Japanese Consul General Takashi Shinozuka, and student volunteers from the University of Alabama in Huntsville.

With the retirement of Mr. Matsuda, who coordinated fundraising efforts, the garden now faces operational challenges. To achieve sustainable management and operations, the NAJGF was established and is working towards becoming a non-profit organization. Its goal is to keep providing the community with a place to experience the beauty and tranquility of Japanese culture.

MTM's leadership has been instrumental in supporting the NAJGF's efforts. "With the large number of Japanese citizens that we have supporting MTM, we value our partnership with the NAJGF,” said Mr. David Fernandes, Senior Vice President at MTM. Mr. Mitsunobu Mukaida, President, Mr. Hiro Kagohashi, Executive Vice President, and Mr. Koji Kato, Treasurer, have all demonstrated remarkable commitment to supporting the Foundation in its goal to become a non-profit organization. Mr. Kato and a team of MTM volunteers also joined our garden clean-up event prior to one of our festivals, exemplifying their hands-on dedication to the community.

We also extend our appreciation to other sponsors, including Daikin, who is sponsoring the Daikin Trail currently under construction, Lockheed Martin, who provided volunteers for this year’s Spring Festival, and many members of the local Japanese community for their invaluable support. Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Alabama (TMMAL) and Bill Penney Toyota have also been key supporters of the garden.

For more information about the NAJGF and sponsorship opportunities, please visit https://www.facebook.com/Japanesegardenhuntsville or info@northalabamajapanesegarden.org

Made in Alabama: Alabama and Japan forge stronger economic bonds at JASA event

The 2024 JASA Annual Dinner and Business Forum in Birmingham highlighted Alabama's growing economic ties with Japan. Keynote speaker Camille P. Dawson discussed U.S.-Japan relations, while six expanding Japanese companies were recognized for their contributions to Alabama’s economy. Rep. Mike Shaw was honored with the Samuel Ullman Award for his role in creating the Alabama-Japan Legislative Exchange Group. At the Business Forum, speakers including Kiyoshi Tanigawa, Hiro Kagohashi, Mark Moore, and David Sides shared insights on trade, investment, and future growth opportunities. The event also marked JASA’s 35th anniversary, celebrating the ongoing collaboration that strengthens Alabama’s global business position.

Made in Alabama: Alabama leaders kick off EV Technology Center project to boost training

Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair joined state and local leaders to celebrate the groundbreaking of a $30 million EV Technology Center at the Alabama Robotics Technology Park near Decatur. This 40,000-square-foot facility aims to enhance Alabama’s automotive workforce for electric vehicle production and emerging technologies. Set to open in early 2026, the center will support the state's shift to EV manufacturing and strengthen partnerships with industry and educational institutions, ensuring workers are equipped with the skills needed for future automotive innovations.