Annual International Festival, a Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge tradition! The Festival features a variety of world cultures through performances, food, crafts, children’s activities, and more. From art to music to dance, there will be something of interest for all ages. Proceeds benefit the Children’s Museum. Asian Culture Center of TN had Onigiri station, Sumo Origami station, Shamisen station and Green Tea Ceremony.

Asian Culture Center of TN was invited to the Emperors Birthday party in Nashville. Our crew wore kimonos. General Consul of Japan told us “the great relationship between countries is based on people to people connection.” He pointed out grass roots activities are very important.

Kumi and Dr.Eda went to the Asian Club at Farragut High School to do a Mochi Tuki demo event. We made Kinako mochi, Shouyu mochi, Anko mochi. All students pounded mochi to get the good luck.

We have partner with the Appalachia: A Southeastern Wind Symphony for Bookmarks from Japan Concert. Our Knox Shamisen and Kendo group performed. We had Sumo Origami activity and Green Tea Ceremony. We thank you Director Logan Campbell inviting us.

I met Iwakuni City Mayor Fukuda in Iwakuni City, Japan. Mayor Fukuda has shared with me his vision of Tourism for Iwakuni City. Iwakuni City is trying to make Kintai Bridge for world heritage site. Hoping to being more tourism.

He also shared his memory with the Ambassador William Hagerty visited Iwakuni City in 2017.

I promised to have Iwakuni Booth at 10th Anniversary Knox Asian Festival to promote Iwakuni City. I thank you to Iwakuni community.

I visited Sister City Muroran in Hokaido Japan. I met City Mayor Aoyama and friends. Thank you so much for your friendship. Kumiko-san took me to the famous Curry Ramen and Yakitori which is made from Pork restruant. Muroran is a beautiful City, has a lot of good foods and people are so kind like here in TN. Thank you so much for your friendship. Hoping to let people know about Muoroan in Knox Asian Festival. Hope many people will visit.

Consul-General of Japan in Nashville, Yoichi Matsumoto invited Executive Director Kumi Alderman and her husband to his house for the Dinner. We really enjoyed the meal they prepared and conversation. Thank you so much for inviting us.

On November 20th, 2018 Consul-General Kobayashi presented the Certificate of Commendation to Ms. Kumi Alderman, Executive Director of the Asian Culture Center of TN, in recognition of her distinguished service in contributing to the deepening of mutual understanding and friendship between Japan and Knoxville through the Asian Festivals and various cultural activities.