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