Michigan-Shiga Sister State Program

05/01/2026

04/06/2026

In mid-March, a group of nearly 50 Michigan State University students boarded a bus bound for two manufacturing facilities with deep roots in Japan’s Shiga Prefecture.

The Shiga-Prefecture, Japan, partnership places Michigan students on the shores of Lake Biwa in Hikone.

03/26/2026

Shiga Sake and the Special set served with Shiga Green Tea are only available until tomorrow at SORAYA!

We also have a reception from 6 to 9 pm tomorrow. Guests will enjoy meeting artists Hitomi Shibata and Takuro Shibata and will be able to purchase unique Japanese tableware.
https://michiganshiga.org/event/clay-and-cuisine-reception/

03/24/2026

Beginning today through this Thursday, visit Soraya to enjoy a unique pottery-centric collaboration, featuring a delicious Soraya special menu served on amazing Japanese tableware crafted by Hitomi and Takuro Shibata! Details below:

03/14/2026

The 60th annual conference for the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA) is coming to Detroit in a little over a week!

Our Shiga Visiting Official, Keiko Nakajima is highlighting Shigaraki, one of the six ancient kilns of Japan, located in Koka City, across two major free public events during that time. Hope you can come enjoy Shigaraki in Michigan!

First, we have the Breeze Over the Lakes Exhibition at the Detroit Public Library Main Branch.
https://michiganshiga.org/event/clay-around-town-breeze/
Shigaraki ware has influenced many American artists, many traveling there directly to learn its techniques and culture. On view will be local ceramic artists, Sister-City members, and even a Tanuki photo exhibition!
Dates: Tuesday March 24 12 PM – Saturday March 28 1 PM during normal library hours.
There is also a free public reception on Tuesday March 24 from 6 – 8 PM
https://michiganshiga.org/event/breeze-over-the-lakes-reception/
Thank you to Consulate General of Japan in Detroit 在デトロイト日本国総領事館 and JBSD - Japan Business Society of Detroit and University of Michigan Center for Japanese Studies for their support of this exhibition.

Second, Soraya is hosting Clay and Cuisine from Japan's Great Lakes.
https://michiganshiga.org/event/clay-around-town-cuisine/
Guests will enjoy a special menu, green tea, and sake from Shiga served in handmade artisanal pottery inspired by Shigaraki ware, along with a special pottery display inside the restaurant.
Dates: Tuesday March 24 – Thursday March 26 during normal business hours.
There is also a free public reception on Thursday March 26 from 6 – 9 PM, where you can meet the artists and purchase pottery.
https://michiganshiga.org/event/clay-and-cuisine-reception/
If you plan to dine during the reception, please also reserve with Soraya directly.

02/24/2026

Enjoy Free Japanese Green Tea Tasting from Marshall's sister city, Koka, Shiga Prefecture!

Mark your calendars and tell all your friends.
Saturday February 28th 2-4pm.
Free Japanese Green Tea Tasting Party. Join our friends from Marshall’s Sister City, Koka Japan, for this special event. Don’t miss out!

02/13/2026