"I'd like to find a better, easier way to maintain Japanese gardens in Australia,' a Japanese landscaper's mission starts from Cowra

Hiroyuki Tsujii, a Japanese landscaper, appeared at the premier of a documentary film 'Making In 2024' in Paris. Mr Tsujii is visiting the Japanese Garden in Cowra NSW this month to assess the condition of the garden and to figure out the best possible method to maintain it. Credit: Alice Casenave

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After 45 years from its opening, the Japanese Garden in Cowra successfully keeps its beauty and tranquillity thanks to the longtime dedication and care by the Cowra community and its Garden staff. "It's not a easy thing to do. I saw some Japanese gardens outside Japan 'collapsed' just a few years after their grand openings," a Japanese landscaper Hiroyuki Tsujii said.

Mr Tsujii learned landscaping when he was young under the direction of a renowned Japanese landscaper Ken Nakajima who was commisioned to design the Japanese Garden in Cowra in 1976.

The garden was designed as a symbol of the historical links and friendship between Japan and the people of Cowra. During WWII, Cowra had a prisoner of war camp known by its tragic incident Cowra Breakout in 1944.

Mr Tsujii leads a group of landscapers from Japan, including himself. The visit this month was funded by Mr Hirohisa Nakajima, the second son of Mr Ken Nakajima, who unexpectedly passed away in April.

"I am carrying the love and care from the Nakajimas towards the garden, to Cowra," Mr Tsujii said.

Maintenance is the key

In the audio, in addition to the dedication and care by the garden staff, Mr Tsujii also pointed out the importance of the garden design to start with. The design by Mr Nakajima is known for its consideration and involvement of the local environment, local flora and fauna.

"It's important to have a sustainable way to look after the garden. The cost, the change of the management... To survive those, we need a method that everyone can apply. I'd like to figure out how to maintain a garden in a easier way in Australia, without compromising the designer's intentions."