Mr Koichi Kobayashi

Japanese Garden Mr Koichi Kobayashi

Hidden in the residential area adjacent to Phantom Lake, Bellevue Washington, is a jewel, a private Japanese Garden called the Seko Garden belonging to Joan and Roy Seko. Conceived and designed by Kaichi Seko, Roy's father, in the 1950's, the garden is now in danger. I have come to understand that the estate must be sold and the future of the garden is uncertain. The story of this garden begins with the birth of Kaichi in 1896 in the Gifu Prefecture of Japan. Gifu Prefecture is home to a number of outstanding gardens including Kokeisan Eihoji Temple Garden by Muso Sosekiand Zenshouji Temple Gardens. When he immigrated to the United States in 1920, Kaichi carried with him the legacies of these fine gardens. He began work in the restaurant business in Seattle but his career was interrupted by World War II and his internment in the Camp at Minidoka, Idaho.