Consulate-General of Japan in Nashville 在ナッシュビル日本国総領事館

June is prime time for hydrangea blooms across Japan. Located in Tokyo, Bunkyo ward is famous for five flower festivals each year.

This time of year, you can experience the Bunkyo Ajisai Matsuri, or the Bunkyo Hydrangea Festival. Featuring over 3,000 hydrangeas, this festival starts upon exiting Hakusan station all the way to Hakusan-jinja Shrine and Hakusan Park.

June is typically a rainy season in Japan, but even as the rain clears up, there is always a beautiful sight to behold.

Did you know Hendersonville, TN has a sister city in Tsuru, Japan?

A sister city is a long-term partnership between two communities in two countries.

In 2023, Hendersonville and Tsuru celebrated 40 years of friendship as sister cities. The Tsuru-Hendersonville relationship is Tennessee’s longest sister-city relationship with a city in Japan.

The friendship between Tsuru and Hendersonville began after mission teams from Bluegrass Baptist Church visited Japan. In 1983, the official agreement was signed to declare the sister city relationship between Hendersonville and Tsuru.

On May 27, the Japanese Language Education Platform Meeting was held at the residence of David Carpenter, Honorary Consul of Japan in Lexington, Kentucky. This platform aims to promote more effective Japanese-language education through strengthening connections among those involved in Japanese-language instruction at educational institutions across Kentucky.

Following the remarks of Consul-General Watanabe and Honorary Consul Carpenter, participants gave presentations on the current state of Japanese-language education and the challenges faced at their respective institutions. The meeting concluded with a lively exchange of views on shared challenges and opportunities for greater collaboration among institutions.

When visiting Japan, the most common styles of ramen you may find are shoyu, shio, and miso ramen (with a clear, clean broth). However, in Kyushu you can find a special type of ramen called tonkotsu ramen.

Tonkotsu ramen has a thick, creamy soup and ultra-thin noodles. As you slurp, the rich broth clings to the noodles and fills your mouth with umami flavor.

Tonkotsu ramen is so popular, there are now restaurants serving this dish all over the world. What kind of ramen do you prefer? 🍜

: Nikko National Park ⛰️

Did you know there are 35 National Parks in Japan? Today, we're highlighting Nikko National Park, located in Tochigi Prefecture in the Kanto region (about 1.5-2 hour trip from Tokyo).

Nikko National Park is a complete package, providing spiritual experiences, serene trail walks, and cultural pursuits.

You can see waterfalls, lakes and marshlands, and along the way you may encounter endemic wildlife such as the Japanese macaque and Japanese deer. The park is also home to some of the country's most renowned shrines, including Nikko Toshogu Shrine. ⛩️

To learn more about Nikko National Park, visit https://www.japan.travel/national-parks/parks/nikko/

There is less than a month left to enter your submission for the 20th Japan International MANGA Award!

The application period for the Award will be from April 15 to June 30, 2026. We look forward to receiving entries from MANGA artists worldwide!

Visit https://www.manga-award.mofa.go.jp/index_e.html to learn more!

https://www.facebook.com/manga.award

Gabrielle Kelsey is a JET alum, who recently returned in 2025! Working as an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) on the JET Program from 2021 to 2025, Gabrielle taught in Toyama Prefecture.

We asked Gabrielle some questions about her JET experience and any advice for those interested in applying to the program. Check out her answers!

📸: Gabrielle Kelsey

Himeji Castle is widely known as Japan's most beautiful and well preserved castle. It is one of Japan's 12 surviving "original" castles -- castles built before the Edo period that retain their original tower (tenshu). 🏰

Himeji Castle is also one of Japan's 26 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Located in Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture, this castle boasts a strong defense system and a glowing white exterior.

Fun Fact: Himeji Castle was given the nickname "Shirasagi", or White Heron, for its pure white-plastered walls.

Have you had the chance to visit Himeji Castle?

The FIFA World Cup begins in just two weeks! Let's review the history of Japan's run at the FIFA World Cup. ⚽

Japan's national soccer team, SAMURAI BLUE, needs your support now more than ever! Let's cheer on SAMURAI BLUE together! 🏆

📍 June 14 — vs. Netherlands in Dallas

📍 June 20 — vs. Tunisia in Monterrey

📍 June 25 — vs. Sweden in Dallas

Japan's national team will be using Nashville as its official Team Base Camp for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Let's give them a warm welcome to Music City!