DEVELOPMENTAL FEATURES OF ENGEI FUKUSHI (HORTICULTURAL WELL-BEING) IN JAPAN

Trends in horticultural therapy (HT) in Japan during the 1990s resulted in 1) extension in the interpretation of HT and 2) demands for a qualification system for horticultural therapists. These developments caused the need for a clear definition of HT and for a term for the broader, more general benefits of horticulture. Thus, in 1998, the term Engei Fukushi (EF) (horticultural well-being) was introduced in Japan to distinguish the promotion of human well-being through horticulture for all people from HT. EF was defined as horticultural activities or programs aimed to promote the well-being of all citizens, including those in hospitals and welfare institutions, who are in programs conducted by volunteers. HT is defined as a specific application of EF, which should be used when the objective of the horticultural activity or program is for specific therapeutic support conducted by trained professionals. EF has developed a strong following in Japan, resulting in the organization of many EF study groups and an increase in the number of citizens who attend lectures and programs for EF at higher levels of education.