Ueyakato Landscape was founded in 1848, originally gaining recognition as the official garden designer of Nanzen-ji Temple. Now in its eighth generation, the company has become a world-renowned team of skilled artisans. Upholding traditional Japanese gardening techniques and craftsmanship, Uemiya Kato continues to innovate while preserving over 160 years of excellence, creating landscapes that combine timeless tradition with contemporary aesthetics.

The chairman, Tomoki Kato, was born in 1966 in Kyoto Prefecture. After graduating from the Department of Horticultural Economics at Chiba University, he joined Uemiya Kato Landscape Co., Ltd. to carry on the family legacy. He became chairman of the company in 2005. Mr. Kato believes that a garden is not merely a design, but an art that evolves over time. While careful planning and construction are essential, true meaning begins with the ongoing maintenance and cultivation after completion. For example, the Nanzen-ji Temple garden, which has been preserved since the Kamakura period, transcends the history of any single company, reflecting the profound and unique bond between Japanese gardens and the passage of time.

Tomoki Kato firmly believes that the charm of Japanese gardens lies not only in their aesthetic form but also in the deep cultural and humanistic values they embody. This enduring heritage is not only a treasure of Japan but also a cultural legacy to be cherished by the world.