Rugby player, Siale Pasa, is now enjoying a career in Japanese gardening after becoming the first Tongan to be certified as a roadside-tree pruner by the Japan Landscape Contractors Association.

According to The Asahi Shimbun, the qualification recognises him as an expert who combines knowledge on forest ecology and skills of traditional artisans.

The 34-year-old currently works at a variety of sites including Murin-an [2], a 19^th century Japanese garden in Kyoto, that was built by former Prime Minister Aritomo Yamagata, during the Meiji Era (1868-1912).

Siale’s start in gardening came about while he was hoping to secure a rugby contract after graduating from Hanazono University, where he played rugby since arriving from Tonga in 2006.

He was frustrated at not receiving any offers from rugby clubs but continued to work out, dreaming of playing in Japan’s Top League.

Siale was offered a part-time apprentice role at Ueyakato Landscape by the managing director who happened to work out at the same gym.

Keen to remain in Japan, Siale agreed and worked there for a year and a half.

“I wasn’t interested in gardening. But it became more and more interesting until I found it more fascinating than rugby,” he said.

Siale found himself captivated as he watched veteran gardeners set up stones and trim branches, creating landscapes that imitate nature, and decided to pursue a career in gardening.

He was officially hired as a gardener in 2011 and found it more demanding and tiring than he imagined.

His role includes delicate handwork and heavy lifting, cutting down trees in the mountains and moving them to gardens for landscaping, and carrying large stones into gardens.

Working in severe cold weather during autumn and winter is also a challenge.

However, Siale continues to learn about the beauty of Japanese gardens and commutes to Murin-an, Higashi-Honganji temple and other sites, where he trims pine trees and prunes branches.

“It is intense work, but that is all the more reason that I find it really rewarding,” he said.

Siale is now married and has permanent residency in Japan. But he plans to bring his Japanese gardening skills to Tonga.

“I want to make a Japanese garden at the king’s house and bring comfort to many people,” he said.