Japan House Ogura-Sato Annex

The construction of the Ogura-Sato Annex at Japan House has officially begun after an extensive eight-year planning process. Preliminary site work and excavation have started just west of Japan House, and the area will undergo significant changes.

The Ogura-Sato Annex will provide much-needed space for Japan House to accommodate its growing educational programs, special collections, and community activities. The expansion includes classroom space, meeting rooms, offices, and storage for the increasing number of educational collections that support Japan House’s mission. The project was made possible by a major donation from Dr. George Ogura, Alice Sato, and Shozo Sato, who initiated the Ogura-Sato Fund.

The gardens, which have long been a hallmark of Japan House, will be impacted during construction. Specifically, part of the tea garden area had to be excavated to make way for the annex. However, efforts are being made to preserve the most significant elements of the tea garden, including the entrance, tsukubai, and stepping stones. Japan House’s gardener, Lois Sjoken, has worked diligently with subcontractors to carefully relocate plants and rocks, ensuring that these elements are safeguarded. Additionally, a new accessible path will be created to connect to a secondary tea garden, ensuring the legacy of Jim Bier’s work and making the gardens more accessible for all.

The Ogura-Sato Annex expansion will help accommodate the growing demand for Japan House’s programs and allow for a wider range of activities, exhibitions, and events. This development marks a major milestone for the organization, which has been dedicated to these efforts for over 60 years