Honoring Dr. Seiji Shiba

By George Haas

On November 8, 2025, at the entrance to the Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt, Oakland, California, Della T. Shiba, nine Shiba family members, bonsai garden volunteers, and friends gathered to honor Dr. Seiji Shiba in the unveiling of an Eitokuji stone lantern.

A stone lantern placed at the entrance to a bonsai garden evokes a traditional Japanese aesthetic, symbolizing welcome and tranquility. These lanterns often serve both a decorative and symbolic purpose, guiding visitors into a space of contemplation and harmony.

A plaque read “In honor of Dr. Seiji Shiba, founding Chairman, Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt (1995-2008) Della Shiba and family”

Director Suzanne Muller and Curator Gordon Deeg spoke about Dr. Shiba’s contributions to the creation of the bonsai garden, which opened to the public on November 6, 1999. Afterwards everyone joined in having light refreshments. Those in attendance took time to tour the bonsai trees and suiseki viewing stones on display.