Memphis Moment
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November
Memphis Japan Festival A Celebration of Japanese Culture
T
he Memphis Japan Festival provided a family friendly taste of Japan at Memphis Botanic Garden. The colorful crowd wandered through vendors’ tents offering bead art, bath products, origami, and more. The Kimono Dressing Experience was an interactive way to educate guests on the intricate way to wear the traditional Japanese garment. Many came dressed in their own kimonos, martial arts wear or in homage to Japanese anime. Children enjoyed bouncy houses and face painting, and the martial arts demonstrations, music and dance performances were popular with all ages. Many festivalgoers took advantage of interesting talks about Japanese culture, including a tea ceremony demonstration, a short lecture on bonsai, and Japanese Garden Tours. Food trucks lined the festival grounds, offering sushi, Thai street food, wings, ices, soda pops and more. The Japan-America Society of Tennessee and the Consulate General of Japan in Nashville presented the event.
Michelle Sweeney and Raivin Jackson
Story and Photos by Gaye Swan Dylan Lira, Yuki Matsuda, Hironori Nishi and Shinobu Watanabe
Brie Waller and Ciara Gooch
Tabitha Smith
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Tom Essmyer and Chrystal Thomas
Garrett Percer and Mary Odom
Michelle Swain and Julia Swain
Amalia Morton, Jenny Son, Ann Morton and Joy Southavilay
Donna and C.J. Henry
Anessa, Abram and Alicia Hess
Samantha Loyer
Hope, Cadence and Rob Hudson
RSVP
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November 2019