On June 19, based on approval from the Oregon state government, the city of Portland and neighboring cities in Multnomah County were able to move into Phase 1 re-opening in response to the coronavirus pandemic. The move into Phase 1 will impact a number of different impacts on social gatherings and business. Restaurants, bars, pubs, etc. will be able to [...]
Earlier this month, we learned with great sadness that Portland Japanese Garden announced that it will be closed indefinitely, due to the corona virus outbreak. As Portlanders, we at Hokusei North America hold a special place in our hearts for the Japanese Garden -- it is a source of beauty, tranquility, and cultural learning that will be missed sorely. Just [...]
During the current health crisis, it's important to take time out to take notice the wonderful things around us. One of those such things is the beauty of cherry blossoms that return each Spring to Portland. One of the best places to view cherry blossoms is Tom McCall Park, on the west bank of the Willamette River that flows through [...]
During the Holiday Season, the Portland Japanese Garden will host koto harp concerts for garden visitors. For those unfamiliar with a koto, it is a thirteen-string plucked zither, introduced to Japan from China through the Korean Peninsula in the 7th century. The koto creates a beautiful sound unlike any other. These concerts offer a rare opportunity to listen to the [...]
On November 15 (Fri), the Japan America Society of Oregon (JASO) will host a Japanese movie night, featuring "A Tale of Samurai Cooking -- A True Love Story". Originally released in 2013, this movie is a tale about a young samurai and his adjustment to working in a kitchen and with the help of a young maid, the development of [...]
Earlier this month, famed Japanese bookstore Kinokuniya opened a new store in downtown Portland. Centrally located near Portland's Director Park (and new Visitor's Center), Kinokuniya offers a wide variety of books, stationery, and gift items. According to Kinokuniya, the store will offer art and comics from Japan as well. This store is Kinokuniya's second Portland area location, the first store [...]
Hokusei North America is pleased to announce that it will sponsor the Portland Japanese Garden's "Behind the Shoji - Hokkaido Marketplace" event. This event will be held at the Japanese Garden from August 3 ~ September 15, 2019, and will celebrate the 60-year sister city relationship between Portland and Sapporo (Hokkaido's capital city). An ongoing series hosted by the Portland [...]
This year, the Japan-America Society of Oregon (JASO) will once again host a beer garden party for the Japan-related community in Portland. The event, which will be held on July 18 (Thu) will feature a number of Japanese and Portland beers & ciders, in addition to a number of Japanese dishes that go well with beer in summertime, including yakisoba, [...]
On April 15 (Mon), the Portland Japanese Garden and the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan (FCCJ) will host an cultural bridge-building event at FCCJ's Tokyo location. The event will include key address Steve Bloom, the Portland Japanese Garden's Chief Executive Officer. After the key address, Mr. Bloom will be joined in a panel discussion by Kengo Kuma, world-renowned architect and [...]
Just as in Japan, Portland is experiencing an explosion of color with the blooming of cheery blossoms throughout the city. Wandering through the Portland's neighborhoods, one is treated to an amazing show of blossoms ranging from dark pink to completely white. The final act of the show takes places when breezes start to blow creating a "raining petal" effect. One [...]