JASGP 2nd Annual Life Sciences Dialogue: Innovation and Breakthroughs
In partnership with Thomas Jefferson University’s Jefferson Japan Center and the City of Kobe, JASGP hosted their 2nd Annual Life Sciences Dialogue. This event was an exploration of “Innovation & Breakthroughs,” presented as a Japan Currents program. Speakers from Japan and the US explored how Japanese life science and health tech
Aki Matsuri Photo Gallery
JASGP would like to thank everyone for making Aki Matsuri Fall Festival such a big success! These local festivals in Japan are a way for the community to come together and celebrate, and we are thankful that so many of you came out to have fun with us at our
In Loving Memory of Theresa “Terry” Yoshida Sherwin
The community of the Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia greatly mourns the passing of Terry Yoshida Sherwin. She was admired and beloved for her gentle manner and caring ways as an inspiring educator and leader. Having started the practice of tea (chado) over 30 years ago, in 2018 she
Calligraphy Unveiling at Independence Visitor’s Center May 13th, 2025
JASGP, in partnership with Independence Visitor Center held a special ceremony for the unveiling of a calligraphy masterpiece donated by Master Ebihara Rogen. It was held as part of the month-long celebration of Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. The calligraphy is now on permanent display at the Independence
In Remembrance of Keijiroh Yama-guchi
Keijiroh Yama-guchi was a force in Philadelphia’s tea practice community for more than a decade. He not only studied tea but also taught tea and Japanese culture assiduously from the time that he joined the Chado Urasenke Tankokai of Greater Philadelphia. He eventually became a board member and traveled to
Japanese Holiday Traditions Come to Fairmount Park
A taste of the Holidays in Japan came to Lemon Hill Mansion in Fairmount Park on Dec. 8th, 2024, as part of the Holidays in the Park event. We were happy to see so many of you come out to learn about Japanese holiday traditions with us. The day was
Explore the Mysterious World of Yokai! （妖怪）
What is Yokai? （妖怪） Yokai are supernatural beings that often emerge from the spirits of objects or animals. They are not just frightening—they can also be quirky, funny, and even cute, as seen in the popular animes Ge Ge Ge no Kitaro（ゲゲゲの鬼太郎）or Yokai Watch. Yokai reminds us to nurture and appreciate
Jusan-ya(十三夜): The Beauty of the “Non-Full” Moon
As we prepare for our moon-viewing party on October 19th (click here for the ticket), I’d like to share a bit about a special moon tradition in Japan called Jusan-ya—the “Thirteenth Night.” While many cultures celebrate the full moon, Japan is unique in also appreciating a “non-full” moon, and I
Behind the Scenes of Mrs. Kishida’s Visit: A Bomb Detection Dog in Socks!
Last Saturday, Shofuso welcomed a very special visitor—Mrs. Yuko Kishida, wife of Japan’s Prime Minister. While the spotlight was on her, the behind-the-scenes work was just as captivating, including an unexpected star: a police bomb detection dog… in socks! Yes, you read that right. Because Shofuso is a traditional Japanese
Discovering the Beauty of Otsukimi: Moon Viewing in September and October
As the seasons transition from summer’s warmth to autumn’s cool embrace, the skies offer a special opportunity to connect with nature through an ancient tradition—Otsukimi, or moon viewing. Rooted in centuries of Japanese culture, Otsukimi is a way to appreciate the beauty of the moon, particularly during two important nights:
