Opportunities, Obstacles and Possibilities for Foreigners to Study Traditional Japanese Gardening

Abstract

There are many Japanese garden enthusiasts outside Japan, and some of them are interested in working in the industry and look for schools to learn the skills. The industry depends on internationalization as well. Japanese gardening, however, is usually taught first handed in apprenticeship rather than by lectures or textbooks because it requires improvised design-build procedures. There are reasons why higher education institutions cannot provide practical education in this field. International applicants therefore cannot find an authentic training opportunity and give up, or some of them are misled by an easier way. They also encounter obstacles when they apply for a work permit because this field is not recognized by the government appropriately. The language may be a barrier for some international applicants. The author suggests that higher education institutions may become a bridge between those international enthusiasts to an authentic Japanese gardening practice as seen in some successful examples.