Day 87: Shofuso Japanese House and Garden, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
📌APIA Every Day (87) - Shofuso, also known as Pine Breeze Villa, is a traditional Shoin-zukuri Japanese house with a teahouse and Japanese garden situated in Philadelphia’s West Fairmount Park. Initially named the Japanese Exhibition House, it was designed by Japanese architect Junzo Yoshimura as part of a series of model homes in the sculpture garden at The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City. Constructed in 1953, a mere eight years after Japan's surrender in World War II, Shofuso stood as a goodwill gesture from the Japanese people through The America-Japan Society to the United States. The house was relocated to Philadelphia in in 1957. A year later, the garden was redesigned by Japanese landscape designer Tansai Sano to compliment the new structure in the style of a 17th century viewing garden, and Shofuso opened to the public on October 19, 1958.
Since the 1970s, Shofuso has endured both natural deterioration and vandalism in Philadelphia. Fortunately, the American Bicentennial in 1976 provided an opportunity for a much-needed restoration of the house. Owned by the City of Philadelphia, the Friends of the Japanese House and Garden nonprofit was established in 1982 to care for it. These restoration efforts, including replacing the hinoki bark roof and receiving mural donations from artist Hiroshi Senju, have played a crucial role in preserving Shofuso's unique heritage.
The house has always been well-received by the American public, both in New York and Philadelphia. It was recognized as the third-ranked Japanese garden in North America in 2016 and listed on the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places in 2013. Today, it continues its original intent of introducing Japanese architecture and culture to the United States. Shofuso’s uniqueness as an example of the Shoin-zukuri Japanese architectural style in this country, as well as its reflection of and impact on American culture, make it a nationally significant structure.
LEARN MORE:
Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia: Shofuso History
Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia: Historical Narrative of Shofuso
Guide to Philly: A Tranquil Getaway at Shofuso Japanese House and Garden
North American Japanese Garden Association: Shofuso Japanese House and Garden
#apiaeveryday #japanese #japaneseamerican #japanesehistory #japanesegarden #shofuso #philadelphia #pennsylvania #friendsofthejapanesehouseandgarden #newyork #philadelphiaregisterofhistoricplaces #junzoyoshimura
