Executive Director Diary

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
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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.

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

Met Hiroshima City Mayor Kazumi Matsui

Thank you so much for welcoming us. We toured the Hiroshima Peace memorial museum with the Executive Director. We learned about each item’s history. Mayor Kincannon gave a flower wreath to show respect at the peace park. We learned that the Hiroshima Mayor serves as the President of Mayors for Peace, an international non-partisan, non-governmental organization. More than 8,000 member cities in 163 countries and regions –including 213 U.S. cities, are working together to achieve two key objectives: “Realization of a world without nuclear weapons”; and “Realization of safe andresilient cities”, which, we believe, will lead us to our ultimate goal, lasting world peace.

Iwakuni City Mayor Fukuda Welcomed Mayor Kincannon

We visited Iwakuni Mayor Fukuda. Iwakuni city became a very important city between the USA and  Japan Relationship. Also Kintai Bridge serves as a symbol of Iwakuni and is one of the three most beautiful structures of its kind in all of Japan.

Dassai Sake Factory Visitation

Thank you so much for the educational Guide through the Dassai Sake factory. President Sakurai welcomed Mayor Kincannon and her family. We were so impressed by their process of making sake which is very number oriented. Dassai Blue opened Factory in NY in 2023. We can buy Dassai Sake online in USA. https://www.tippsysake.com

Welcome Events at the Muroran City

Our Cedar Bluff middle school delegation team had 19 people this year. Total 25 delegation teammates went to Muroran city. I met several people who visited Knoxville again. We had a wonderful dinner together. I also visited the room where Prof.Paul Watkins pottery was displayed. Thank you so much for your Love for sister City. We also visited a temple where they put the beautiful kimono on us and Tea Ceremony at Otani High School.

Kaisei Gakuin (High School) invited us for impact report meeting for their visit to Knoxville

Jack (Teacher) brought 4 students to Knoxville first time in April 2024 for ESL and USA expereince. They studied Engish at UTK and did Homestay program at the Crayton Bradley Academy. They showed the impact report for thier studetns and each studnets made the speech what they learned in English. It was very impresseive impact on thiere students. One of the students told us that she would choose the college to learn the internatinal relationship and will try to get the job to connect Japan to the world inthe future.

Muroran Chamber of Commerce Meeting

Muroran Chamber of commerce and industry’s President Mr.Yoshiyuki Nakata and his wife Kumiko invited us to their office.  100 years anniversary for Muroran Chamber. 

Delegation trip to Sister City Muroran City in Japan with City Mayor Kincannon and her family

I visited Muroran City (Sister City of Knoxville ) as a part of a delegation from Knoxville City. It was very nice meeting City Mayor Aoyama again. We appreciate their welcoming events which all the city workers were waiting for us to greet. Thank you so much for your friendship.