Minutes of the Constitutive General Assembly of the European Association of Japanese Gardens

Date: June 01, 2022, at 9 a.m.
Place: MAULEVRIER village hall, Place de l’hôtel de ville, 49360 MAULEVRIER #

1) Welcome & Introduction #

Jean-Pierre Chavassieux welcomed all participants, both present and connected. He recalled that the objectives, statutes, rules of procedure, and the list for the provisional board of directors had been discussed with all the European and Japanese partners in the months leading up to this meeting.

2) Actions and Objectives of the European Japanese Garden Association #

The network of Japanese gardens in Europe will develop its activities by relying on multiple skills, involving different members and partners. The principles of its activities can be summarized in the following ten points:

List existing “Japanese or Japanese-style gardens” in Europe and Japan, becoming “showcases” of Japanese art and culture.
Recognize existing gardens to be upgraded or supported in their projects and developments.
Federate and organize a network of Japanese gardens in Europe, establishing close relationships and promoting collaboration.
Raise awareness of Japanese garden culture and increase recognition in Europe.
Promote cultural exchanges, organizing activities to bring Japanese culture to the European public.
Develop educational programs for all ages in Japanese gardens across Europe and Japan.
Enhance skills of practitioners through training, workshops, and exchange programs.
Support studies and research on Japanese garden art, fostering collaboration and supporting students.
Encourage new Japanese garden projects in Europe by creating support networks.
Collaborate with other Japanese garden networks globally, contributing to a unified international community.

3) Presentation of the Articles of Association and Voting #

The articles were presented and voted on unanimously.

4) Presentation of the Rules of Procedure and Voting #

The provisional rules of procedure were presented and unanimously approved.

5) Proposed Contribution Amount #

On the proposal of Jean-Pierre Chavassieux, the membership fees were set for the first year at 15 euros for individuals and 30 euros for organizations.

6) Proposal and Presentation of Candidates to the Provisional Board of Directors #

The list was unanimously accepted, with the division of functions within the provisional board approved.

The Provisional Board of Directors #

Duration: 1 year.
President: Jean-Pierre Chavassieux
Vice Presidents: Diane Crawford, Per Hundevad Andersen, Joseph Grimaldi, Carla Amorim
Secretary: Jacques Soignon
Treasurer: Yoko Mizuma
Members: Maiko Ishida, Jérémy Venier, Nicolas Fiévé, Christian Tagsold, Carl de Coster, Alain Caillé
Honorary Presidents: Makoto Suzuki, Eïjiro Fujii

7) Closing of the Constitutive General Meeting #

Jean-Pierre Chavassieux thanked all participants for their trust and closed the first general assembly.

8) Exchange with Japanese Partners in Tokyo #

In connection with Tokyo, attendees welcomed the creation of the association and expressed interest in supporting its projects. A meeting is planned in 2023 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the first Japanese gardens outside Japan.