indeed Kendall,
a passing of an era of gardening.
In Canada the passing of Roy Sumi was significant and is remembered in the Sumi Awards: recognition and opportunity to learn from others in round table form. Being of an age, and knowing each other, their work seems exceptionally similar in direction and scope.

Will there be a Kubota Awards for best gardens?

One of the most interesting thesis thoughts was put out by Robinson (link below) and mentioned Kubota's 7 Common Threads, that he developed as the 'needed basis' or considerations needed in design for Japanese gardens in North America, the Puget Sound (PNW).
I've often wondered what they are and they might be useful here for participants, ---would you know what they are? or where to reference them?

What was Kubota's last garden?
(intrigueingly, I found that Roy Sumi's life had gone almost 'full circle', as he was interned at 3 in Roseberry/New Denver, moved to Montreal, returned to Vancouver and in his last year from a wheeelchair almost finished his last garden,.. in New Denver at the Internment Centre Heritage Site, called Heiwa teien, Peace garden.
thanks for mentioning his passing,...
edzard

(postscript: to your previous post, mentioning the First Nations in the PNW, I found it fascinating to read that the Europeans were not the first to bring steel to the Americas. In a separate research stream, a reference was found that in 1970, in Washington's Olympic peninsula, in the excavation of a Makah village (Ozette), which was buried and sealed off about 1650, contained remains of steel tools that were of Japanese origin from the medieval period. (1100's?)
combined with the Chinese religious imagery carved into Aztec ruins, brings an interesting spin to the forest culture aspects of the First Nations forest culture system.
any comments? prior to the 30th?)

Here is a link that might be useful: Robinson-Thesis: 7 Threads/Kubota, Fujitaro

Edzard,
The Thesis is very interesting..
especially, the seven common threads.
But where can I read more?
The carrot stick is dangling!
michael