Celebrating 10 years of Waterford's Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens

The Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens in Tramore celebrated its tenth anniversary.

The event, held on Friday, June 27, was well attended with speakers including the Japanese Ambassador to Ireland, Junji Shimada, who was accompanied by his wife Kaoru, the newly elected Mayor of Waterford City and County Council Seamus Ryan and Ministers of State, Mary Butler and John Cummins.

Minister Cummins said he was delighted to celebrate this “oasis in Tramore”. 

“What has been achieved here is simply remarkable. We are so lucky here in Waterford for your dedication to creating something special in Tramore,” said Minister Cummins.   

Minister Butler described the gardens as “mystical" and “unique” and said its beauty is one of the reasons the county is “held in such esteem”. 

“Where else would you find such peace of mind than a stroll through these beautiful gardens?” said Minister Butler.

On behalf of the Irish Government, Minister Butler welcomed the ambassador and his wife.

Ambassador Shimada said the gardens are a “testament” to the “history, cultural ties and friendship” between Ireland and Japan.

He said the gardens “will inspire generations to learn about the history and bond between our two countries".

Ambassador Shimada said this was his third visit, and he paid tribute to founder Agnes Aylward and her team for their dedication to the gardens.

He praised Waterford City and County Council, as well as the Irish Government and the private bodies who have supported the development of the gardens.

DRAMA 

The gardens are, of course, named after Irish-Greek writer Patrick Lafcadio Hearn.

During his address, Ambassador Shimada said that Japan’s national broadcaster NHK was producing a drama titled The Ghost Writer's Wife about Koizumi Setsu, the wife of the famous writer raised in Waterford.

The Taoiseach is to see a special preview at an upcoming visit to Tokyo.

His Excellency said he hopes audiences in Ireland will also get to see the much-anticipated series.

KOKORO CENTRE 

Each speaker at the event expressed their excitement for the opening of the Kokoro Cultural Centre, currently under construction in the gardens.

The centre is set to be completed in August, with an opening later in the year.

Kokoro means soul or spirit and is the title of one of Lafcadio Hearn’s books.

The upper floor will house a café and information and talk space, while the lower level will have an event space for up to 100 people.

The gardens already see 40,000 visitors a year, and it is hoped the new facility will add to the attraction offering.

In his first appointment as mayor, Seamus Ryan said that even without an indoor space, the gardens have gone from “strength to strength”. 

THANK YOU

The garden’s founder and chairperson, Agnes Aylward said her “heart was warm” to hear the kind words spoken about the gardens.

She thanked all those who have made the gardens what they are today.

That included the board, the original design, maintenance and volunteer teams, as well as the gardens' financial supporters.

“For me, it is an occasion to acknowledge and thank the talented and dedicated people whose work throughout the past 10 years has made this garden what it is today: this includes those who designed and built the gardens; those who promoted and made it known to the world; those who kept it so beautifully over the years, and added new buildings and features in that time; and those who every day, give a five-star welcome to all our visitors.

"Throughout this time, our efforts have been supported and enabled by dedicated board members and loyal volunteers,” added Ms Aylward.

In particular, Ms Aylward welcomed Kazuki and Masumi Kusumi, who travelled from Japan for the special event.

Kazuki was one of the original gardeners.