Part of the work for this restoration was the redesigning of the entry courtyard, which was done by landscape architect Masao Kinoshita of Urban Design Collaborative in Ohio. The installed fence matched closely the architect Yoshimura's suggestion over two decades before in 1970 of installing a wrought iron picket fence set in concrete. This new fence helped keep out vandals and thieves, as well as stray dogs roaming the Park. In addition, it was more aesthetically pleasing than the chain link fence that was initially suggested by the friends group in 1992. From the time of its formation, The Friends of the Japanese House and Garden has also regularly maintained Shofuso with much needed routine cleaning including once when the House is opened for the season and again when the house is closed.
Programming is an important function for the friends group.
Annual events include the Hanami Cherry Blossom Picnic which celebrates the coming of spring with a viewing of the cherry blossoms, a tour of the house and garden, and a potluck picnic. The Children's Festival in May celebrates the traditional Japanese holidays of Girl's Day and Boy's Day with origami, koi wind socks and kimono displays, as well as storytelling, music and tea ceremony events.