Yoshiyuki Hirai - Behind the designer...

• Born in Fukuoka 1944.  Currently 66 years of age.

• Upon graduating from University, worked for a private non-gardening related company. 

• Retired from this company to study the art of horticulture while working for a gardening related company in Kitakyushu

• After 10 years of work he decided to visit England, over which time he developed a taste for western style gardens while at the same time creating his own company Naval Green to cater to clientele in Japan in the market for such gardens. At present the company has grown to 20 staff members with offices spanning Nagoya, Fukuoka, Yamaguchi, Kitakyushu and Okinawa.

• Chairman of the Kitakyushu Open Garden NPO

• Architect of numerous roof gardens for hotels and buildings in the Kitakyushu area.

• Member of the RHS.