UWF Asian Programs

08/24/2026

We had a great weekend supporting Japan-America Society of Northwest Florida at their BonFest Pensacola celebration as well as welcoming Consul Umetani from Consulate General of Japan in Miami to campus to learn more about our programming.

08/16/2026

Yesterday, we had the opportunity to make a birthday girl’s day a little extra special with a private tea ceremony for her and her family. 🫖🌸

It’s moments like these that remind us why cultural exchange is so meaningful - it’s not just about learning about another culture, but about creating experiences, connections, and memories that stay with us.

We were so happy to be a small part of her special day. Happy Birthday! 🎂💕

08/13/2026

07/24/2026

Many thanks to our volunteers who helped out with the tea ceremonies at Tanabata Festival.

Junko, James, Andres, Michelle, Yasuko, Shigeko, and Parker

07/20/2026

Did you make it to this year's Tanabata Festival? Check out all of the photos from this event.

07/10/2026

We were delighted to welcome students from UWF Explore Camp’s “Amazing Race: World Travelers” to the Japan House today!

During their visit, students explored Japanese culture, learned about the traditions of Tanabata, the Japanese Star Festival, and wrote their own heartfelt wishes on colorful tanzaku to hang on bamboo branches. 🎋

They also enjoyed a peaceful visit to our Zen garden, taking time to reflect and connect with a different cultural perspective.

Experiences like this remind us how meaningful global learning can be by sparking curiosity, creativity, and connection at every age.

07/06/2026

⭐ Celebrate the beautiful summer tradition of Japan right here on UWF campus!⭐️
The UWF Office of Global Engagement invites you to the Tanabata Star Festival on Saturday, July 11, from noon to 4:30 p.m. Experience a day filled with cultural elegance, mindfulness, and hands-on activities.

🗓️Date & Time: Saturday, July 11, 2026 | 12:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
📍Location: UWF Japan House (Building 71)
🎫Admission: Free and open to the public (All materials provided)

■Highlights:
🌸Witness the stunning artistry of Ikebana (flower arrangement).
🍵Immerse yourself in the serene rituals of a traditional Tea Ceremony inside the Japan House.

🌿Join the guided Japanese Garden Tour to explore the hidden beauty of Building 71.

🎋Participate in cultural crafts all day long: Make your own Japanese bookmark, try your hand at origami, and write your wishes on colorful Tanzaku (wish strips) to hang on the traditional Tanabata Bamboo Tree.

⛩️Exciting Raffle: The restaurant Khons on Palafox is generously providing Japanese food vouchers for our raffle in Japanese Omikuji style in the conference room!

Note: While all-day crafts are walk-in, the Ikebana Workshops require pre-registration due to limited seating.

👉 Pre-register for Ikebana Workshops here: https://forms.gle/eWqjhsz5eVkvs87T9

⏰Event Timeline:
•12:00 p.m. – 12:40 p.m. - Ikebana Demonstration (Lobby)
•12:45 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. - Ikebana Workshop (Room 136)
•1:50 p.m. – 2:20 p.m. - Japanese Garden Tour (Japan House Garden)
•2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. - Ikebana Workshop (Room 136)
•3:40 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. - Tea Ceremony Demonstration (Japan House)

★All-Day Activities:
•Origami: Room 141
•Bookmark Making: Room 139
•Tanabata Tree & Wish Strips: Entrance
•Japanese Games (Kendama/Chopstick challenge): Room 131
•Shrine Fortune & Prizes (Raffle): Conference Room

06/30/2026

Happy Japanese Calligraphy Day! 🖌️

笑 (Wara) ＝ LOL / Smile 😆🤣🥰

Writing "笑" with a smile always creates the happiest moments.

Love the beautiful, peaceful atmosphere when everyone is deeply focused on their calligraphy.

06/24/2026

It takes a village! A big thank you to our volunteers and friends from Japan EcoSystems for helping tidy up our Japan House garden this morning.

Michiko Takahashi