One of my bucket list items is arranging an internship in Japan. Best case for me would be a stint in ancient Kyoto with a master gardener who is interested in teaching. Not exactly an easy proposition. The US publisher of the Journal of Japanese Gardening arranges apprenticeships for subscribers. One requirement is language training.
There were cases where foreigners arrived at a gardener’s place and couldn’t speak a word of Japanese. That made the experience bad for both parties. Now passing the lowest level of the Japanese proficiency test is required. You can take it in Japan twice a year or world wide. Every July or December. It depends on where you live.
I took the tests at Tokyo University and passed levels 4 and 3. Level 2 required stunning knowledge of Japanese kanji characters and it gave people headaches. Since I’ve taken my tests, the system has changed. The testing involves more conversational abilities and there is a new level three. Level 3 bridges the easier 5 and 4 levels and the difficult 2 and 1. Study books and previous exams are on sale in Japanese bookstores and online.
The other suggested certification was the International Arboricultural Society’s (ISA) Certified Arborist certification. Check!
What’s so special about Japanese gardening?
Aside from the harsher pruning they practice in Japan the number one key for me personally is its simplicity. There is lots left to your imagination. Picture an ancient temple, stepping stones, moss, a few Japanese maples (Acer palmatum) and Azaleas.
I struggle with yards where a gardener plants a huge number of plants, annuals and perennials. Come summer there is profusion of color. Great. But my eyes don’t know where to look first. There is no room for my imagination. I feel assaulted. It’s a horrific experience.
One myth
One myth that persists is that Japanese gardens have lots of religious elements. Forget it. The idea is the same as in Canada. The Japanese enjoy green spaces just like we do. Maybe more because they live on a crowded mountainous island where space is at a premium.
Second act gardeners
On my frequent visits to the West Coast of Japan, I ran into retired men who became gardeners after retiring from their previous jobs. The government paid for their re-training so they can stay active and productive members of society. Second act gardeners.
I ran into one gardener at a private residence. One was pruning trees at a public park. Both were over 65 and they looked the part in their hard hats and uniforms. I had fun talking to them. I found out that one tree pruning was about $30. The green waste was picked up later by someone else. I wasn’t brave enough to ask about their pay. I’m sure it’s not great. But remember, they’re retired.
One day I will do some gardening work in Japan.
