The Japanese Museum is a separate entity housed in a separate hall which contains mainly mementos depicting exclusively Japanese art and culture. As one enters, what catches the eye is an exquisitely finished bronze bust of President Jayewardene with the inscription

'.................. Great Benefactor of the Japanese People - 1981’

the context of which goes back to the Peace Treaty signed in 1951 in San Francisco where President Jayewardene delivered his famous speech quoting the immortal words of Lord Buddha - 'hatred ceases not by hatred but by love' which moved 51 nations to view Japan in a different perspective without hatred, vengeance and contempt after World War II. The Japanese people have shown their gratitude in so many ways, of which the museum and the Japanese Garden donated by Rev. Ryugen Tanaka stand as living examples.

The Ryugen Garden, a replica of the gorgeous courtyards of the Japanese elite, is a gift from Rev. Ryugen Tanaka as a token of gratitude to President Jayewardene for his intervention on behalf of Japan at the Peace Treaty in San Francisco in 1951. It is a cool and relaxing place in a landscaped garden, expressing traditional Japanese design.

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