Recognition Ceremony for Honorary Consuls of Japan in Philadelphia

On February 10, we were honored to take part in a Recognition Ceremony hosted by Ambassador Satoshi Katahira for Mr. Dennis Morikawa, outgoing Honorary Consul of Japan in Philadelphia, in celebration of his 26-year legacy of service, and to welcome his successor Mr. Patrick Dailey. Both Dennis and Pat are founding

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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

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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

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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

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Japanese Kadomatsu gate pine decorations

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

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moon with pampas grass

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

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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

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JASGP’s Philadelphia Museum of Art Visit: Tour of “Yoshitoshi: Spirit and Spectacle”

The Philadelphia Museum of Art extended an invitation to the JASGP for a tour of “Yoshitoshi: Spirit and Spectacle.” JASGP had the privilege of being lead through the exhibition by curator Shelley Langdale. The exhibition, which draws on the PMA’s collection of Japanese art, features 60 works by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

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Japanese Films and Filmmakers at the 2018 Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival

The Philadephia Asian American Film Festival (PAAFF) returns to Philadelphia from November 8 – 18. This year marks PAAFF’s 11th season of showcasing Asian American film contributions, and includes fifty film screenings and live events in Center City and University City. Included this year are four feature-length films that focus

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Know Before You Go: Philadelphia Obon Festival

The sixth annual Philadelphia Obon Festival comes to Shofuso this Saturday from 11 am – 5 pm. At the forefront are Bon folk dances led by IchiFuji-kai dance students, taiko drumming by Kyo Daiko, tea ceremony demonstrations by Urasenke Philadelphia, traditional games, kimono dressing, and arts & crafts, all of which are

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