Historical Timeline
The following timeline summarizes the history of this unique urban refuge showcasing over sixty years of vision, effort and commitment by the Kubota family. For more history view the History In-Depth page.
- 1879Fujitaro Kubota born in Kochi Prefecture, Shikoku Island, Japan
- 1907Mr. Kubota emigrates to the United States
- 1923The Kubota Gardening Company established
- 1927Mr. Kubota acquires five acres of logged swampland in Rainier Beach
- 1930’sThe Japanese Garden completed
- The Heart Bridge built
- 1962The Mountainside completed
- 1970’sThe Moon Bridge built
- 1972Japan Government awards Mr. Kubota 5th Class Order of the Sacred Treasure
- 1973Fujitaro Kubota dies at age 94
- 1981Landmarks Preservation Board designates Garden core as Historical Landmark
- 1987City of Seattle acquires Garden from the Kubota family
- 1989The Kubota Garden Foundation is incorporated as a non-profit organization
- 1999Tom Kubota Stroll Garden is built
- 2004Entry Gate for Garden is designed and installed by Gerard Tsutakawa
- Tom Kubota dies at age 87
- Pro Parks 2000 project is completed
- Provids enhanced ADA access and new entry court
- Construction begins on the entry wall
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