[Interview with Kohei Owatari] The Spirit of “Zen” to Modern Gardens: Modern Zen Garden’s Japanese-American Design Approach

Modern Zen Garden creates unique landscapes that fuse Japan’s traditional aesthetic with the climate and character of the U.S. West Coast. Representative Kohei Owatari, who has lived in the U.S. for over 40 years, deeply understands the local environment and materials. By infusing his work with the spirit of Japanese Zen, he continues to captivate people on both sides of the Pacific.  Owatari brings a profound love of nature to his craft. His gardens reflect Japan’s “beauty of subtraction,” where simplicity reveals depth. In this interview, we explore how this philosophy shapes his approach to landscape design, and how our rain chains resonate with his creative vision.

Profile | Kohei Owatari

Founder and Garden Designer, Modern Zen Garden 

Born in 1956. After graduating from the Faculty of Agriculture at Tokyo University of Agriculture, Owatari trained for two years at a landscaping company specializing in the construction and maintenance of Japanese gardens. He moved to the United States in 1981 and, after gaining experience with local landscaping firms in California, established his own practice.

With a diverse background that includes serving as a helicopter instructor and a sea kayak guide in Baja California, Owatari has maintained a deep connection with nature throughout his career. In the late 1990s, he began showcasing his work on his website and later founded Modern Zen Garden. Guided by the principle of being “modern yet organic,” he creates distinctive landscapes that blend Japan’s traditional aesthetic with the climate and environment of the West Coast. His gardens, centered on water and stone, create a space defined by the contrast of stillness and movement, and are highly acclaimed across the U.S. West Coast.

Core of the Design: “Modern yet Organic”
Interviewer: Thank you for your time today. To begin, could you tell us about your background and the origins of your design philosophy?

Owatari: Thank you. I moved to the United States in 1981. After graduating from Tokyo University of Agriculture, I trained for about two years at a Japanese garden company before coming to America. At first, I started out as a gardener and gradually gained experience working for local landscaping companies.

The key concept behind my design is to be “modern yet organic.” I focus on water and stone as the foundation, valuing contrasts such as stillness and movement, light and shadow, hardness and softness. While my work is rooted in Japanese tradition, I reinterpret those elements to suit the materials and climate of the U.S., pursuing my own form of expression here in the States.

Encounter with Rain Chains and the Birth of “ZEN RAIN CHAIN”
Interviewer: What first inspired you to incorporate rain chains into your designs?

Owatari: The initial spark came when a client showed me the SEO Rain Chain website, saying, “You should take a look at this.” The moment I saw its modern style, I instantly thought, “This could work perfectly.” Soon after, I used a rain chain in that client’s garden—and that was the true beginning.

Interviewer: How have rain chains been received in Southern California, given its low rainfall?

Owatari: That’s the key point. Since this region gets little rain, I propose rain chains not only as a functional tool but as an art piece where water can circulate year-round through a pump system. I call this concept “ZEN RAIN CHAIN.”

As the name Modern Zen Garden suggests, I infuse the spirit of “Zen” into the very idea of the rain chain. Precisely because it rarely rains here, I aim to create the “presence” of water, to add a quiet layer of time and atmosphere. People in these dry regions have a deep admiration for water. When it rains, they often walk without umbrellas; therefore, the rain chain provides a refreshing touch of water that nourishes their hearts.

The Key to Design is “Sound”: Creating Gardens That Engage the Senses
Interviewer: What do you consider most important when incorporating rain chains into your designs?

Owatari: “Sound.” I believe sound is an extremely important design element in a garden. Not the loud splashing of a fountain, but the gentle gliding sound of water quietly flowing down the rain chain. Even when it isn’t raining, hearing that sound brings calmness and a pleasant rhythm to the space. The sound that SEO Rain Chain chains produce is remarkable in this respect.

In indoor projects using rain chains, some clients worried that the water sound might be too loud for the space, but in reality, the quiet tone was very well received. The flow control feature allows adjustment of the water volume, so the sound can be varied according to the mood of the day.

Birds and bees often come to drink from the water, adding a “dynamic”, living element to the garden. This connection with nature is another major appeal of ZEN RAIN CHAIN.

 “Wabi Sabi”, Japanese Aestheticism, to the World
Interviewer: When proposing rain chains to clients, how do you explain the cultural background behind them?

Owatari: People seeing them for the first time are immediately drawn to their sculptural beauty. When I explain that this comes from Japan’s “Wabi Sabi” sensibility, they understand it deeply. It’s not flashy, but it resonates with the heart. That delicate aesthetic wondrously harmonizes with modern architecture.

Additionally, having the rain chain positioned in the foreground creates a sense of depth in the garden, giving the space a three-dimensional feel. It becomes a strong focal point that naturally draws people’s attention.

Interviewer: Any Tips for Anyone Considering a Rain Chain in Their Home?

Owatari: In the U.S., there’s a concept called “curb appeal,” where people are conscious of how their home looks to passersby. Placing a rain chain in a highly visible spot, such as near the entrance, can greatly enhance the character of the house. Even small touches, like using natural stones for the catch basin, can create a more refined space.

Giving Form to Respect for Nature: The Future of Garden Design

Interviewer: What does “Zen” mean to you?

Owatari: It’s feeling moved by a single element placed in an otherwise empty, quiet space. It’s being attuned to the daily constancy of nature. That is what “Zen” means to me. Moving forward, I want to continue creating gardens that quietly resonate with those who see them.

Interviewer: Finally, could you share your vision for the gardens you want to create in the future?

Owatari: I want to work not only on residential gardens but also on public spaces, creating gardens that bring quiet breathing room. Recently, I’ve been envisioning more organic designs, where water doesn’t flow from stainless steel pipes but drips directly from carved natural stones into the rain chain. After all, natural elements are the most beautiful.

 Modern Zen Garden

Reflecting on Our Conversation

This discussion has revealed the limitless possibilities of rain chains beyond their basic function. In Owatari’s hands, a rain chain can become the centerpiece of a garden, a musical instrument that plays tranquility, and a spring that nourishes daily life.

If you are considering adding just one “element that fills the heart” to your home, why not hang a single rain chain outside your window? It is sure to provide quiet moments of delight in both rainy and sunny weather. We look forward to seeing Modern Zen Garden’s future projects and how our rain chains continue to blend seamlessly into life in the U.S.