Interviewee: Tom Yutani

Relationship to Nikkei gardeners: Tom is considered one of the foremost experts on the subject of weeds. He wrote the book, Garden Weeds of Southern California, now in its 9th printing.

Date: July 17, 2007

Location: Japanese American National Museum

Brief Description: Tom explains the meaning of his name.

Transcription
Yutani is a family name. Toshimasa is my name. But you write in a character – has a lot of meaning – “Toshi” is longevity. I’m 100 years old. “Masa” means prosperity. [laughs]

See part 2, part 3 and part 4 of this interview.

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This interview was conducted as part of the Opening Day activities for the exhibition Landscaping America: Beyond the Japanese Garden.