On Saturday, May 3, a dedicated group of 78 volunteers came together to care for the Japanese Garden in Hermann Park during the annual Spring Cleanup. Under the expert guidance of the Hermann Park Conservancy (HPC), volunteers pulled weeds, trimmed bushes, cleaned the streams, and laid rocks and mulch to refresh the beloved garden.
As the event aligned with Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, the gathering proved to be more than a cleanup—it was a celebration of community, heritage, and shared stewardship. We were reminded that the Japanese Garden is not only a place of peace and reflection, but also a living symbol of the deep roots and lasting influence of Japanese culture in our city. By lending their time and energy, each volunteer played a part in preserving that legacy for future generations.
Following the cleanup, a drawing was held for a gift card from Houston’s beloved ramen “soul-food” specialists, Ramen Tatsu-ya. Congratulations to our lucky winners: Shigeru Sakamoto of All Nippon Airways (ANA), and Deondre Stephens!
We are deeply grateful for the support, hard work, and community spirit of all who took part.
Thanks to you, the Japanese Garden continues to be ready to welcome visitors seeking tranquility, beauty, and cultural connection.
Special thanks goes out to the following organizations for their large presence during the cleanup:
• Baker Hughes Asian Pacific American Forum
• Urasenke Tankokai of Houston
• Morton Ranch High School
• University of Houston JLCC
• Power Home Remodeling Group
• Mitsubishi Cooperation (Americas)
Photos courtesy of night.sky.creative