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 was honored with the tea name (chamei) Soya (宗弥) from the Urasenke Tea School in Kyoto. The name paid homage to her father, Yasohichi Yoshida, who had immigrated from Japan to the US as a small ch...| Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia
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 Visitor Center over the stairs leading to the Liberty View. The event also featured musical performances by Philadelphia Orchestra’s principal bassoonist, Daniel Ma...| Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia
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 Kyoto for formal lessons at the Urasenke headquarters. In 2014-16, he set up a series of lectures about tea and Japanese culture, including such topics as Japanese sweets and the Shikoku ...| Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia
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 filled with games and crafts, including Origami and Kadomatsu. Guests were serenaded by a choir and music on the Koto, and there was sushi and other Japanese snacks to enjoy. If you missed the event on Sunday and would still like to learn mor...| Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia
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 the things around us, reflecting the Japanese belief that everything, even everyday objects, possesses a spirit (a philosophy rooted in animism). In Japan, we say the...| Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia
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 think this says something beautiful about Japanese aesthetics and philosophy. Jusan-ya usually happens in October, about a month after we celebrate the full moon in September, Jugo-ya (...| Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia
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 house with delicate tatami mats, the dog had to swap his usual gear for some protective socks. His officer, also sock-clad, led the way as they carefully checked th...| Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia
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: Jugo-ya, the fifteenth night, and Jusan-ya, the thirteenth night. This year, Jugo-ya falls on September 17, 2024, while Jusan-ya will be on October 15, 2024. Alth...| Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia
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 — the largest collection of these prints outside of Japan. Many staff learned new things about Yoshitoshi, while some had a refresher on him and what he means to Japan as a...| Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia
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 on Japanese nationals and Japanese Americans. Film screenings and costs are included in each description. Jizolibido (2018, dir. Yoshiaki Kasatani) 61 mins | D...| Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia
The Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival is an annual spring celebration of Japanese arts and culture organized by Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia. Featuring events scheduled throughout the city, this yearly festival brings a taste of Japan to Philadelphia.| Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia
