Founded by Issei pioneer B.D. Mukai in 1926 as a strawberry farm, Mukai Farm & Garden today is on the National Register of Historic places with our rare heritage home, Japanese Garden, and Barreling Plant. Open and free to the public, we celebrate Vashon Island’s Japanese American and agrarian heritage. Come visit!
Ghibli Summer Lineup Is Set
The Mukai Studio Ghibli Fest continues 7:00pm on July 8th, at the Vashon Theatre with The Boy and the Heron, a story of 12 year-old Mahito, struggling to adjust to a new town after his mother’s death, follows a talking heron’s claim that she is still alive, which transports him to another world.
And karaoke at Ghibli Fest will be back, by popular demand, so you can sing your heart out.
Unfortunately, in order to secure licensing from Ghibli Studios, we had to agree to minimum admission charge of $6. This differs from our original “donation only” policy, but we guarantee that no one will be denied admission if they do not have $6. We will cover it another way. Of course, donations on top of the admission fee are warmly accepted.
July Greetings from Mukai Farm & Garden
As summer unfolds, Mukai Farm & Garden is blooming with events. Here’s what’s happening this month:
July 8th – Studio Ghibli Festival: The Boy and the Heron
Join us 7:00pm, July 8th, at the Vashon Theatre for The Boy and the Heron, a story of 12 year-old Mahito, struggling to adjust to a new town after his mother’s death, follows a talking heron’s claim that she is still alive, which transports him to another world 🐦🎋👦🏻
Admission is $6 at the door, however no one will be turned away. The theatre fills up quickly, so be sure to arrive early for good seats and to avoid long lines at concessions.
- July 10th – Movies @ Mukai: Born Bone Born
Join us July 10th at 7:00pm for Born Bone Born, a story of a family reunion at the anniversary of the death of the wide and mother of an Okinawan family.
The movie and Japanese snacks are free, but contributions are gratefully accepted.
July 15th – Studio Ghibli Festival: Kiki’s Delivery Service
Join us 7:00pm, July 15th, at the Vashon Theatre for Kiki’s Delivery Service, a coming-of-age story of a young witch, Kiki, leaving home for the first time, getting a job as a delivery girl, and struggling to find the real purpose of her powers 🎀🧹🐈⬛🥐
Admission is $6 at the door, however no one will be turned away. The theatre fills up quickly, so be sure to arrive early for good seats and to avoid long lines at concessions.
July 22th – Studio Ghibli Festival: Ponyo
Join us 7:00pm, July 22th, at the Vashon Theatre for Ponyo, a story of friendship, when Sosuke, a young boy, rescues and befriends a goldfish, who can use her father’s magic to turn into a young girl 🌊🪣🍜🐟
Admission is $6 at the door, however no one will be turned away. The theatre fills up quickly, so be sure to arrive early for good seats and to avoid long lines at concessions.
July 27th – Open House
From 1:00pm – 4:00pm, discover the historic Mukai Farmhouse Museum along with its captivating Japanese gardens and grounds. The self-guided history exhibit traces over 120 years of Japanese presence on Vashon Island.
Restored Barreling Plant Promises a Lively Mix of Local Entrepreneurs and Non-Profits
Friends of Mukai has secured agreements with four new tenants who plan to set up businesses early next year when the Fruit Barreling Plant is fully restored and open. Three of the tenants are food related: Fernhorn Bakery, Fuku Ferments, and a community commercial kitchen operated by the Vashon Island Growers Association— all coming together as part of the emerging Vashon Food Hub. The fourth tenant, Refill Vashon will create sustainable products from plant mixes for home use. There is one remaining space available at this time.
The front portion of the building, adjacent to the entry areas and loading dock, is 1200 sq. ft of shared community space that will be used by the tenants and broader community for events, meetings, classes, workshops, exhibit storyboards on the history of the building, loading dock performance stage support, and more.
Friends of Mukai plan to begin the $3M restoration late this summer, unless federal funding previously granted to us is rescinded. Our goal is to finish in early 2026, just in time for the building’s 100th Anniversary. At long last, we can celebrate the Barreling Plant’s return to its original purpose of food production and preservation!
Check out the tenant space plan showing five separate tenant spaces, including the one remaining available space. It’s an exciting time for Vashon Island! Stay tuned for updates…
Consider Mukai Farm and Garden for your next event!
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the historic home and grounds are a perfect setting for a perfect event. As you plan your 2025 calendar, remember we are ready to accommodate private events at Mukai for groups of all sizes — from small parties, meetings, and larger events such as showers, weddings and celebrations of life.
The ease and convenience of being able to walk in and have everything you need from chairs and tables, plates glasses, and silverware, to tea and coffee service is a real gift. Our rates remain modest at $75 per hour for the house and $150 per hour for the house and garden. Eligible 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations may receive a 30% discount off posted rental rates.
Seating inside the house can accommodate 40 people. An outside event can accommodate a larger group. During the summer months, we have two large tents (20×40) and you will have access to smaller pop-up tents (10×10) as well.
To request a tour contact us at [email protected] And for further information: https://mukaifarmandgarden.org/rentals
THANK YOU FOR HELPING US CONTINUE TO OFFER HISTORIC AND MULTI-CULTURAL ENRICHMENT FREE OF CHARGE TO THE COMMUNITY.
Please support Mukai; make a donation here!
We rely heavily on community financial support that allows us to produce all of these events—for you! Donations are tax deductible.