2020 Japan Week
March 23rd - April 3rd

For more information about Japan Week or any Japan Week event, please email info@nv.mofa.go.jp.
Sunday, March 22
  • Momotaro, the Peachboy
    • Time: 2:30 PM, 3:30 PM
    • Host: Nashville Public Library Puppet Truck
    • Location: Nashville Public Library Auditorium, 615 Church Street, Nashville, TN
    • Visit the Library Calendar for more information
    • Take a mystical journey through the heart of Japan as Wishing Chair Productions introduces one of the most famous characters in Japanese folklore. Performed with newly constructed Bunraku puppets, follow Momotaro and his companions on this tale of bravery, unity and triumph over adversity. Running time: 30 minutes

Tuesday, March 24
  • Tuesdays for Tots
    • Time: 10 AM – 12 PM, March 24 – March 28
    • Host: Cheekwood Estate and Gardens
    • Location: Cheekwood Estate and Gardens, 1200 Forrest Park Dr, Nashville, TN 37205
    • Visit Cheekwood’s website for more information
    • Art and garden adventures abound as toddlers take over Cheekwood every Tuesday morning! Join us to get hands-on with art and gardens with your tot. This special Japan Week Tuesdays for Tots will feature a Japanese-inspired art project and other activities. Stop by the gardens anytime between 10 am – 12 pm from March 24 through March 28 to participate! Free with general admission or membership.
 
Saturday, March 28
  • Blevins Japanese Garden Grand Reopening and Japanese Workshops
    • Time: See website for details
    • Host: Cheekwood Estate & Gardens
    • Location: Cheekwood Estate and Gardens, 1200 Forrest Park Dr, Nashville, TN 37205
    • Visit Cheekwood’s website for more information
    • See the grand reopening of Shomu-en, the Blevins Japanese Garden after a 10-month renovation! Guests can also register for two workshops with a Japanese focus – Ikebana (flower arranging) at 9:30 AM and Shibori (Indigo Dyeing) at 12:30. General admission is required, as well as additional fees for workshops.

Wednesday, April 1
  • Lunch and Talks on Japan
    • Time: 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM
    • Host: Crossroads of the Nations Church Japanese Group
    • Location: Crossroads of the Nations Church, 7116 Crossroads Blvd. Brentwood, TN
    • Visit the Crossroads of the Nations Church website for more information
    • Join the Crossroads of the Nations Church Japanese Group for several talks on Japan-related topics, to be followed by lunch.​
  • 10:30-11:00 Former Hanshin Tigers baseball player Matt Murton will talk on how Japanese baseball has built relations with the US and his own playing experience in Japan.
  • 11:00-11:30 Christopher Born, Japanese Professor at Belmont University, will speak on cherry blossom imagery in Japanese poetry and Kanzo Uchimura’s view on the Yamato Damashii.
  • 11:30-11:45 Former NFL Titans’s cheerleader Sayuri Soga will speak on the differences between Japanese and American cheerleading.
  • 11:45-12:15 Sandy O’Donnell, professional Child and Family Counselor, will speak on Successful Parents from the western view and Stephen Young will offer some thoughts from the Japan side. 
  • 2:15-1:00 Japanese curry rice lunch with fellowship
Thursday, April 2
  • Cherry Blossom Scratch Art with Cats
    • Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
    • Host: Mewsic Kitty Café (2519 Nolensville Pike, Nashville, TN 37211)
    • Location: Mewsic Kitty Café (2519 Nolensville Pike, Nashville, TN 37211)
    • (Link)
    • Enjoy 2 hours of kitty cuddle time while making unique art! Each guests will receive one scratch art board with a cherry blossom theme to work on and take home. Cost is $18, BYOB welcome, adults only.
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  Friday, April 3
  • Networking Happy Hour for Young Professionals
    • Time: 6:00 PM
    • Host: YP Global (Tennessee World Affairs Council) and the United Nations
    • Location: City Tap (204 3rd Ave S)
    • Please follow this link to RSVP.
    • Join YP Global and UNA for a networking happy hour geared at young professionals. 

Saturday, April 4
  • The Cherry Blossom Walk
    • Time: 9:30 AM
    • Host: Sister Cities of Nashville and the Japan-America Society of Tennessee
    • Location: Public Square Park, Union St & 3rd Ave N, Nashville, TN 37243
    • Visit the Cherry Blossom Walk page for more information
    • Before the festival begins, join Consul-General of Japan Kayoko Fukushima and Mayor John Cooper for the Cherry Blossom Walk at 9:30 a.m.  The 2.5 mile course begins and ends at Nashville's Public Square, the site of the Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival, and follows the Cumberland River Greenway, looping at Sister Cities' Magdeburg Connector to Morgan Park in Germantown. The Cherry Blossom Walk is free and open to the public. No registration is required.
  • The Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival
    • Time: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
    • Host: The Japan-America Society of Tennessee, The Consulate-General of Japan in Nashville, The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County
    • Location: Public Square Park, Union St & 3rd Ave N, Nashville, TN 37243
    • Visit the Cherry Blossom Festival Page for more information
    • Join the 12th Annual Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival, a free to the public, family-friendly celebration of spring and Japanese culture. The festival features dynamic performances, interactive cultural demonstrations, children’s activities, merchandise vendors, delicious Japan-inspired food, and much more!
 
Additional Sakura Season Events

  • April 10-12 - Middle Tennessee Anime Convention
    • Host: Middle Tennessee Anime Convention
    • Location: Sheraton Music City and Embassy Suites Nashville
    • Visit MTAC’s website for more information
    • MTAC is Tennessee's largest fan-run convention, focusing on Anime, Manga & relevant Popular Arts.