News Discussion

Adachi Museum's Japanese Garden Ranks First, Katsura Imperial Villa Second

The Adachi Museum of Art, located in Yasugi City, Shimane Prefecture, is celebrated for its collection of modern Japanese paintings. On January 8, the museum announced its first-place ranking in the Journal of Japanese Gardening's 2024 Japanese garden rankings. The magazine is a United States-based publication.

Known for its collection of artistic masterpieces by artists like Yokoyama Taikan, the museum's gardens also draw frequent international attention. This marks the 22nd consecutive year its gardens have claimed the top spot since the rankings were established in 2003.

The museum's gardens include the main karesansui (dry landscape) garden and the Hakusha Seishotei garden (white gravel and pine). Taikan's art inspired both.

Each morning before the museum opens its doors, staff members meticulously clean the gardens, removing fallen leaves and sweeping pathways. "We will continue working as a team to preserve these gardens and share their beauty with the world," says Museum Director Takanori Adachi.

A panel of landscape researchers determines the annual rankings. They evaluate elements such as design quality, harmony with surrounding architecture, and overall visitor experience. Katsura Imperial Villa in Kyoto secured second place, while Yamamoto-tei in Tokyo's Katsushika Ward ranked third.

1. 1. draw attention　注目を集める、注目される
   The news about the event drew attention from people all over the city.
2. 2. consecutive　連続した、連続的な
   The team achieved three consecutive victories in the tournament.
3. 3. gravel　砂利、小石
   Trucks delivered tons of gravel for the construction site.
4. 4. meticulously　細心の注意を払って、慎重に　
   The chef meticulously prepared every dish for the special dinner.
5. 5. evaluate　評価する、審査する、査定する
   It's important to evaluate both the strengths and weaknesses of your plan.

1. 1. How many consecutive years has the Adachi Museum's garden been ranked first?
2. 2. What tasks do the staff perform every morning before the museum opens?
3. 3. What elements are evaluated by the panel of landscape researchers for the rankings?
4. 4. What do you think makes a garden beautiful? Is it the design, the plants, or something else?
5. 5. Do you think Japanese gardens are different from gardens in other countries? How?

横山大観など近代日本画コレクションで知られる足立美術館（島根県安来市）は1月8日、米国の日本庭園専門誌「ジャーナル・オブ・ジャパニーズ・ガーデニング」による2024年の日本庭園ランキングで1位になったと発表した。ランキングが始まった03年以降、22年連続。

同館の庭園は主庭「枯山水庭」の他、大観の作品をモチーフにした「白砂青松庭」などで構成。開館前には、職員総出で落ち葉拾いや掃き掃除に取り組む。足立隆則館長は「今後も職員全員が維持管理にあたり、庭園の魅力を世界に発信したい」とコメントを出した。

ランキングは造園の研究者らが質、建物との調和、利用者への対応などを評価したとしている。2位は桂離宮（京都市）、3位は山本亭（東京都葛飾区）。