Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute
Overview
The Japanese Rock Garden at Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute is a compact indoor karesansui garden housed within the university’s Scientific and Technical Library in Kyiv. Opened in 2018, it was created by the Japanese landscape company Kosugi Zohen Co., Ltd. as a symbol of peace, friendship and cultural cooperation between Japan and Ukraine. The garden forms part of the university’s Ukrainian-Japanese Centre and supports its cultural and educational activities.
History
The garden was proposed by the Embassy of Japan in Ukraine to mark the conclusion of the 2017 Year of Japan in Ukraine. It was installed within the Ukrainian-Japanese Centre, which operates in the university library and serves as a venue for Japanese-language teaching, exhibitions, lectures and traditional arts programmes.
The design and construction were undertaken by Kosugi Zohen Co., Ltd., a Japanese landscape company with a history extending over three centuries. The garden was formally inaugurated on 5 February 2018 in the presence of KPI rector Mykhailo Zgurovsky, Japanese ambassador Shigeki Sumi, Kosugi Zohen president Saki Kosugi and representatives of Ukrainian educational and cultural institutions.
At the opening, the garden was described as a new symbol of peaceful relations between Japan and Ukraine and as an additional setting for cultural and artistic events at the university.
Design features
The composition follows the principles of a Japanese dry landscape garden, in which rocks represent mountains, cliffs or islands and raked sand or fine gravel symbolises water. Furrows drawn across the mineral surface suggest waves and flowing currents, creating an abstract miniature landscape without the use of an actual pond or stream.
Its restrained combination of stone, gravel and empty space is suited to the confined interior environment of the Ukrainian-Japanese Centre. The garden is intended primarily for contemplation and observation rather than physical circulation.
Unlike an outdoor strolling garden, the composition is experienced from the surrounding library and cultural-centre spaces. Its institutional setting also gives it an educational role, introducing visitors and students to Japanese garden symbolism and aesthetics.
Garden elements
Enclosures
Stones
Other elements
Current status
The garden remains part of the Ukrainian-Japanese Centre at KPI. A recent visit by a JICA delegation included an inspection of the rock garden, tea room, exhibition hall and other facilities, confirming that the composition continues to be maintained within the centre. Access depends on the opening arrangements and security conditions of the university and library.