Foreign Minister’s Commendation Ceremony

Feb 21, 2025

On Friday, February 21, the Foreign Minister’s Commendation Ceremony for Kumi Alderman, Executive Director of the Asian Culture Center of Tennessee, was held at the official residence of the Consul-General of Japan in Nashville. 

The purpose of the Foreign Minister’s Commendation is to honor individuals and organizations that have made particularly significant contributions to the promotion of friendly relations between Japan and other countries through their activities in various fields of international relations, and to ask the public at large to further understand and support their activities.  

Consul-General Watanabe presented Ms. Alderman with a certificate of commendation in recognition of her contributions to mutual understanding and friendship between Japan and the State of Tennessee and between Japan and the United States through the Knox Asian Festival and other cultural activities. 
The Consulate-General of Japan in Nashville expresses its deepest respect for Ms. Alderman’s achievements in the region. 
 

Japanese New year 2025

Jan 26, 2025

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.

Birthday Ball Gettysvue

Nov 23, 2024

Delta Company 4th USMC Combat Engineer Battalion from Knoxville will be supporting this event. This company of Marine Combat Engineers is also working very hard this time of year to support the annual TOYS FOR TOTS program. All toys collected will be distributed in the greater Knoxville Area to Children in time for Christmas…This national program has been highly successful in reaching children who might otherwise have no presents to open on Christmas morning. Last year across all 50 states, 25 million gifts were delivered to more than 12 million kids with the help of 50 thousand volunteers.

A Heartfelt Thank You!

Nov 22, 2024

We are deeply grateful to Consul General Watanabe of Japan for graciously inviting us to his home. It was an honor to engage in thoughtful discussions about the 2025 Knox Asian Festival and to receive his invaluable guidance and advice. 🙏

A special thank you as well to Consul Matsuoka for your steadfast support over the years. Your encouragement continues to inspire and uplift our efforts.

Congratulations

Nov 20, 2024

Visit Knoxville opened Sunsphere Welcome Center, event to feature Budweiser Clydesdales.

Kumi Alderman Joins Leadership Knoxville Class of 2025

Nov 14, 2024

We’re thrilled to announce that our Executive Director, Kumi Alderman, has been selected for the Leadership Knoxville Class of 2025—the largest class in its history!

Through this program, Kumi hopes to further develop her leadership skills and find new ways to serve and uplift our community. This opportunity will not only strengthen her role at the Asian Culture Center of Tennessee but also foster connections and collaborations across Knoxville.

Congratulations, Kumi! We’re excited to see all the great things you’ll accomplish as part of LK 2025!

Muroran Sister City from Japan came to visit Knoxville – October 27th – November 2nd, 2024

Nov 7, 2024

This week, we were delighted to welcome 11 middle school students from our Sister City, Muroran, Japan, to Cedar Bluff Middle School. This exchange is a meaningful step in strengthening our cultural and educational ties.

In support of Cedar Bluff Middle School’s 2025 trip to Muroran, the Asian Culture Center of Tennessee proudly presented a $5,000 donation from the proceeds of the 11th Knox Asian Festival. This donation marks the creation of our new Education Support Fund, established to further cultural exchanges and educational opportunities between Knoxville and Japan.

Through this fund, made possible by our dedicated festival supporters, we aim to nurture global understanding and mutual respect among our youth.

Muroran City Delegation visited Knoxville – October 27th – Oct 31st 2024

Nov 7, 2024

We were delighted to welcome a four-member delegation from Muroran City, Japan, including:

  • Shinichi Nara, Vice Mayor
  • Shozo Hayakawa, Chair of Muroran City Council
  • Masashi Saito, General Affairs Manager
  • Akira Omachi, Chief of Facility Management
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During their visit, Mayor Kincannon guided us through the South Project area, explaining Knoxville’s initiatives and the impactful decision to halt the highway development. The delegation was greatly impressed by this community-centered approach.

The group also attended a City Council meeting, where they had the opportunity to meet all council members. To celebrate, we concluded the visit with a Craft Beer tour, fostering new friendships and a shared cultural exchange.

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