A Comparative Study on the Image of Japanese Garden in Foreigners' Mind

Abstract

The methods taken in this study were Semantic Differential Method, Chi-Square Evaluation and Factor Analysis. 140 SD-data of foreigners and 155 SD-data of Japanese were taken at 7 points in 5 Japanese gardens, which were Heianjingu (3 points), Nijyoujyo Ninomaru, Kontiin, Ryoanji, and Tenryuji gardens. Through the research it was pointed out that the foreigners imaged “colorful, bright and lively” feeling on the Japanese gardens, whereas the Japanese imaged “gloomy, dark and quiet” feeling which is considered an important factor in terms of “Shibumi”, “Wabi” and “Sabi”.