Hashimoto Nursery x Hasami Porcelain
https://www.hashimotonursery.com/
It was a warm October afternoon in 2003, just a few months after Taku and I made the big move from Tokyo to Los Angeles, when I first stumbled upon a quaint nursery nestled in the heart of what is known as Sawtelle Japantown, formerly called Little Osaka because of its location on the west side of LA.
I had heard about this nursery long before I laid eyes on it. My grandmother, Yuriko, who had lived with Alzheimer’s for many years, often spoke fondly of a friend in LA who ran a nursery. They maintained their decades-long friendship with seasonal greeting cards exchanged across the ocean. However, my grandmother never quite revealed the nursery’s exact location. During my exploration of Sawtelle Japantown, something deep within me told me that this nursery was the one.
I wandered into the shop toward the counter where two women and one man stood. With a hopeful heart, I asked if there was anyone there around the age of 88. Without missing a beat, they all nodded—yes, that would be their mother, Masu! I introduced myself and began talking about my grandmother Yuriko. To my delight, they recognized my grandmother’s name immediately, especially Chimie, the daughter who lovingly cared for her parents.
We quickly arranged a time to visit Masu-san, and what followed was something I could have only dreamed of. Masu-san shared many stories with me, not just of her life, but of my grandmother’s life as well! She showed me a photo of her with my grandmother, dated October 4, 1935, and in that moment, everything felt connected. Masu-san continued to show me more photographs of my mother and my great-grandmother-- evidence of a friendship that spanned continents and decades.
My grandmother Yuriko is on the left, and Masu-san is on the right in this photo taken in Ginza, Tokyo on October 4, 1935:
My great-grandmother holding my mother:
This exchange happened the very same moment my grandmother Yuriko passed away in Tokyo. I immediately thought she must have felt relieved and happy that we were able to meet and ensure that this beautiful thread of connection would continue.
From that point on, I visited Masu-san regularly to hear more about her memories and stories. A year later, in 2004, Masu-san passed away at the age of 90. Her husband Shichiro—the founder of Hashimoto Nursery, established in 1928—followed her in 2005 at the remarkable age of 103. The Japanese government even honored him when he turned 100—a testament to a life well-lived.
Thanks to Yuriko and Masu-san’s friendship, I am deeply connected to the family in charge of Hashimoto Nursery—Yotaro (Jo), Nanayo, Chimie, and even the next generation, Miki.
If you’ve lived in LA long enough, you’ve seen how much the neighborhoods around Sawtelle have transformed. But step into Hashimoto Nursery, and you’ll find a little pocket of serenity that feels untouched by time.
TGS is proud to introduce our collaboration with Hashimoto Nursery, bringing you a selection of their plants staged in Hasami Porcelain planters. Beyond this partnership, I wanted to share the story of Masu-san and Yuriko’s enduring friendship—a friendship that transcended time and place. It’s a beautiful reminder of the connections that shape our lives, the ones we hold dear, and the ones that continue to grow even after we’ve parted ways.
This Earth Day, I invite you to celebrate the beauty of nature by visiting Hashimoto Nursery. Pick up a plant, and perhaps even stop by Tortoise if you’re in the area! There’s always something special about bringing a bit of nature into our homes—and who knows, maybe you’ll feel that same sense of connection and calm that I did.
To learn more about Hashimoto Nursery’s history, visit their website.
