On Sunday, January 26 the 2025 Japanese New Year Event was held at the East Tennessee History Center in Knoxville, Tennessee. Consul-General Watanabe, Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon, and Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs spoke at the event’s opening ceremony. Consul-General Watanabe remarked on the popularity of Japanese culture both in the United States and the Knoxville area. He also mentioned the presence of nearby Japanese businesses. The festival featured mochi pounding, musical performances, and a number of Japanese cultural activities. At the Consulate-General of Japan in Nashville booth, visitors were introduced to Japanese sake and could decorate Japanese New Year’s cards.
We would like to thank the many people who came to the event and all those who helped organize it.
