When visiting Shofuso, you stand in a magnificent piece of history that spans centuries and continents and continues to enthrall Philadelphians and visitors from around the world. So many of our cherished visitors tell us, “I never knew there was a Japanese house and garden in Philadelphia!” Even fewer know that this house and garden has a storied history.

The purpose of this exhibition is to share our story of utsushi. Utsushi is the “inspired rendition” or “spirited inspiration,” with each in its line creating an engaging dialogue between a web of masterpieces. Our line is over half a millennia old, that we know of. 

It is our hope that this exhibit inspires the love and dedication to our special legacy that we share here. It is our responsibility as stewards of this house to continue our line of utsushi so that the next generation may participate as well. By honoring the idealism of Junzo Yoshimura, Mary Watanabe, and all of those who have been determined to uplift Shofuso, we can be proud to have a small part in the long legacy of this storied house.