Japan House

Japan House in spring. (Photo by UI Public Affairs/L. Brian Stauffer)

Springtime blossoms dot the landscape of Japan House at the University of Illinois. The brainchild of Shozo Sato, HON ’99, UI professor emeritus of theater, the facility has been at its present site since 1998. There, visitors can take arts and culture classes, participate in tea ceremonies, and stroll the property’s tranquil walkways. At Illinois Homecoming 2013, Nick Offerman ’93 FAA, former star of the sitcom Parks and Recreation, graced the grounds with a gazebo he built in honor of Sato, his mentor. Offerman explains the tribute here.