Japanese New year 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
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!
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
Kumi Alderman Joins Leadership Knoxville Class of 2025
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
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
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
- Â
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.
​


Knox Asian Festival Wins 2024 Iris Award – Stars of Industry
The Knox Asian Festival has been recognized with the prestigious Iris Award in the “Stars of Industry” category by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development (TN.gov). This award honors our festival’s contributions to promoting cultural diversity and community engagement through tourism.
We had the privilege of attending the annual Tennessee Hospitality and Tourism Association’s Purple Iris Awards, which celebrate excellence and innovation in the hospitality and tourism industry. The awards recognize individuals, organizations, and establishments that have made significant contributions to the growth and development of the sector.
The ceremony took place on Thursday, September 26th, at the Chattanooga Convention Center during the Governor’s Conference on Hospitality & Tourism. It was a wonderful evening, featuring a cocktail reception, dinner, and a celebratory after-party

KnoxNews
11th Annual Knoxville Asian Festival