Orange County Japanese Garden and Tea House, Orange County Civic Center

Orange County Japanese Garden and Tea House Celebrates 50th Anniversary
The Japanese Garden and Tea House, located in the Orange County Civic Center, celebrated its 50th Anniversary Commemoration earlier this week, a momentous occasion for the Japanese American community in Orange County.

“The Japanese Garden and Tea House is an expression of the resilience and vibrancy of the Orange County Japanese American community,” said Vice Chairman Andrew Do, who hosted the commemoration event along with Supervisor Lisa Bartlett.

Following World War II and the injustice of the Japanese American internment camps, many families returned to Orange County to restart their lives, only to find they had lost their homes, farms, and property due to theft. This was a devastating loss for many Japanese Americans, whose agricultural businesses helped build Orange County into what it is today.

Among those who returned to Orange County was Hitoshi Nitta, who became chair of the local nonprofit, Japanese American Community Services, in the late 1960s.

In 1969, a year after the Orange County Courthouse opened its doors, Hitoshi unveiled a plan to the Orange County Board of Supervisors for a 75-foot by 102-foot Japanese Garden and Tea House right outside the courthouse.

Coordinating with local community organizations and the Japanese American community, together they raised $50,000. This project became a symbol of friendship and gratitude from the Orange County Japanese American community to the County of Orange for welcoming them back.

“The history of the garden has been a well-kept secret for 50 years,” said Supervisor Do. “But with this re-dedication, especially with the upcoming completion of the County Civic Center and our new soon-to-be-completed County Administration North building, the Japanese Garden and Tea House will continue to thrive and be used by our residents for the next 100 years.”

When the Civic Center was taken over by homeless encampments, the garden and all its glory were left in the shadows.

Patti Hirahara, whose family was a donor of the project, reached out to county staff last year to inquire about the garden’s existence and its original documents. Orange County’s archivist, Chris Jepsen, found the original blueprints and letters that were thought to have been lost. And the City of Santa Ana’s administrative services manager, Ron Ono, worked to secure funding for the garden’s renovation.

“When I was made aware of the 50th anniversary of the Japanese Garden, I began working with the Orange County Nikkei Coordinating Council to facilitate this momentous occasion in a COVID-safe setting,” said Supervisor Do.

In honor of the Japanese Garden’s 50-year anniversary, a few invited dignitaries witnessed the unveiling of the commemorative plaque, donated by the County of Orange on Tuesday, November 10th.

Among the dignitaries present at the commemoration was Akira Muto, Consul General of Japan, and Don Miyada, representing the Kazuo Masuda VFW Memorial Post 3670 and member of the WWII 100th Infantry Battalion / 442nd Regimental Combat Team.

“This Garden and Tea House is a tribute to the Japanese farmers and residents, whose agricultural businesses helped build Orange County into what it is today,” said Supervisor Do.

The Japanese Garden and Tea House will be shown on all new Orange County Civic Center and City of Santa Ana Maps.