Stories of Pacific Northwest Issei Artists Who Achieved Recognition in the Years Before World War II—PART THREE: Kenjiro Nomura

In this blog series, Corinne Kennedy writes about three Japanese artists who lived and worked in early 20th-century Seattle. By the 1930s, their paintings were winning recognition and awards. However, World War II upended their lives, and until recently their work was largely erased from American art history. Part Three, the final article in this series, features artist Kenjiro Nomura.

Corinne KennedyMarch 26, 2025Painting, Visual Art, Issei, Seattle History

The Essential Reading List for 2023

Called 読書の秋 (dokusho no aki) in Japanese, the colder days and longer nights of fall beckon us to read. Blog contributor Corinne Kennedy has compiled an eclectic list of thirteen titles, including eleven books for children and younger teens.

Fall, From Home, Japanese CultureCorinne KennedyNovember 8, 2023fall, books, Japanese culture

Fall-Blooming ‘Setsugekka’ and ‘Kanjiro’ Camellias Are Recent Additions to the Garden

Three young sasanqua camellias have been planted in the the northeast corner of the Garden, replacing several large rhododendrons that had reached the end of their lifespans. Young specimens of ‘Setsugekka’ and ‘Kanjiro’, they may not bloom for several years.

Plants and BloomsCorinne KennedyOctober 19, 2023plants, pinus mugo, conifers, matsu, pines

Attractive in All Seasons: Mugo Pine

ATTRACTIVE IN ALL SEASONS: MUGO PINE

Pinus mugo is a commonly available but often undervalued pine species. More than 20 plants grace the Seattle Japanese Garden, most planted near the Garden’s central pond. Learn More at seattlejapanesegarden.org

Plants and BloomsCorinne KennedySeptember 12, 2023plants, pinus mugo, conifers, matsu, pines

Distylium Coppertone™, a Newly Available Evergreen Shrub, is Attractive in All Seasons

Coppertone™ is a compact hybrid of the little-known genus Distylium. Like the other exciting new hybrids, Coppertone™ is an easy-care shrub with attractive evergreen foliage, grows well in full sun or part shade, and tolerates heat, drought, and wet soils. All are resistant to disease, insects, and damage from deer & rabbits. (Bailey Nurseries)

In the Garden, Plants and BloomsCorinne KennedyFebruary 24, 2023Distylium, gardening

The Essential Reading List for 2022

Called 読書の秋 (dokusho no aki) in Japanese, the colder days and longer nights of fall beckon us to read. Blog contributor Corinne Kennedy has compiled an eclectic list of fourteen titles, including ten books for children and teens.

Fall, From Home, Japanese CultureCorinne KennedyNovember 17, 2022fall, books, Japanese culture

Camellia oleifera is a Cold-hardy Species with Fragrant White Flowers in Autumn

Camellia oleifera is a very cold-hardy species with fragrant white flowers in autumn. Its seeds are an important source of a high-temperature cooking oil used primarily in Asian countries.

Fall, In the Garden, Japanese Culture, Plants and BloomsCorinne KennedyOctober 27, 2022Camellia, Japanese culture, Winter, fall

The Showy, Bright Red Fruits of Aucuba japonica ‘Rozannie’ Remain on the Plant from Fall until the Following Spring

Planted in the Seattle Japanese Garden in 2021, Aucuba japonica ‘Rozannie’ is a compact female cultivar of this evergreen shrub native to Japan. Its bright red, berry-like fruits persist until the following spring.