Events

Time and Location

October 15-28
Missouri Botanical Garden (St. Louis, MO)
Science Museum Oklahoma (Oklahoma City, OK)
Hermann Park Conservancy (Houston, TX)
Garvan Woodland Gardens (Hot Springs, AR)
Normandale Japanese Garden (Bloomington, MN)

About

With support from the Japan Foundation’s U.S.–Japan Community Grassroots Exchange Program, the North American Japanese Garden Association (NAJGA) will present Crafted in Stone: U.S.–Japan Artisan Exchange Tour 2025. This initiative will bring master stonemasons Takaaki and Kaito Saida—fifth- and sixth-generation artisans from Saida Stone Shop in Kameoka, Japan—to five cities.

Through a series of professional workshops and public lectures and demonstrations, the tour will introduce the art and cultural significance of Japanese stonemasonry and foster cross-cultural dialogue, support professional development in Japanese garden practices, and promote lasting appreciation for traditional Japanese craftsmanship.

Takaaki Saida, 5th Generation, National Traditional Craftsman is a skilled stone sculptor, represents the 5th generation of the Saida family, known for their craftsmanship in stone carving. Takaaki joined SAIDASEKIZAI in 1999. In 2005, he was certified as a first-class Stone Sculptor, and by 2007, he earned the title of Kyoto Traditional Products Craftsman. In 2013 when he was honored as a National Traditional Craftsman, solidifying his legacy within the field.

Kaito Saida, the 6th generation of the Saida family tradition, is a specialist in stone craftsmanship. Kaito graduated in 2023 from Phoenix Community College in Arizona. He worked with Kurisu International LLC in 2024 as an intern, where he gained valuable experience in cross-cultural exchange. In 2025, Kaito joined SAIDASEKIZAI, continuing the family legacy and expanding his skills in the art of stonecraft.

For more information, please visit: Events for September 2025 – North American Japanese Garden Association

This project is supported through the U.S.- Japan Community Grassroots Exchange Program.