City of Kobe, Japan - KTIO

05/05/2026

🎏🌸 Tacoma-Kitakyushu Sister Cities' Children's Day (Kodomo no Hi) is back! Join us on Saturday, May 9, 10:00 AM–3:00 PM at the Point Defiance Pagoda and Japanese Garden in Tacoma. FREE admission for all ages! Enjoy koinobori crafts, origami, taiko drumming, Yosakoi dance, and more. Cosplay and Matsuri attire encouraged! 🥁🎐

🎏🌸 タコマ・北九州姉妹都市こどもの日のお祭りが今年も開催されます！5月9日（土）午前10時から午後3時まで、タコマのポイント・デファイアンス日本庭園にて。入場無料、どなたでもご参加いただけます！こいのぼり工作、折り紙、太鼓演奏、よさこいダンスなど盛りだくさん。コスプレや祭り衣装での参加も大歓迎です！🥁🎐

https://tacomasistercities.org/events/tacoma-kitakyushu-childrens-day-2026

Graphic credit: Tacoma Sister Cities Council

#こどもの日 #姉妹都市

04/27/2026

Kobe's Architecture Festival is coming soon!

04/20/2026

Infiorata Kobe 2026!

04/13/2026

This year's JASSW Spring Gala will feature food from two amazing local businesses: I Love Sushi and Sakura Sweets.

I Love Sushi provides fresh, delicious, and authentic Japanese dishes.

Sakura Sweets is a Shoreline-based bakery which specializes in "edible art," creating gorgeous floral cupcakes.

Join us at this event to not only enjoy the delicious catering, but to take part in this great networking opportunity with the JASSW community! The evening will also feature raffle sales, a Passport Rally, and JASSW/community booths.

Register here: https://jassw.info/event-6592284

📅 Friday, April 24, 2026 | 4:30 – 9:00pm (Gala 6:15-9:00pm)
📍 Bellevue City Hall (450 110th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98004)

03/30/2026

Looking for enthusiastic volunteers at the Seattle Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival!

🌸 Celebrate Spring & Japanese Culture🌸

Do you know the art of the Yukata, or are you eager to learn?

is looking for enthusiastic volunteers at the Seattle Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival! 👘✨

Come be a part of the magic at our Yukata Dress-Up Booth and help others experience this beautiful tradition.

Whether you’re a pro or a beginner, they will make sure you’re ready to go!

🗓️ Important Dates
Training Sessions:
Sunday, March 29th
Saturday, April 4th

Volunteer Shifts:
Friday, April 10th – Sunday, April 12th

✍️ How to Join
Ready to lend a hand and wear some beautiful patterns?

🔗 Click the link in to sign up!

Let’s make this festival unforgettable together. See you there! 🌸

03/23/2026

Come to Sakura-Con 2026!

The wait is over, anime fans!🌸Sakura-Con 2026 is finally here! HBCC's booth is 🌟 #118🌟 in the Summit building. If you have questions about Hyogo Prefecture's sightseeing🏯♨ and you're looking to chat in Japanese,🗣️ come visit us! See you there from April 3rd to 5th💗✨😄

Made by: Kaito Hosotani (University of Hyogo)

03/09/2026

A beautiful symbol of enduring friendship between Japan and the U.S.!

We’re honored to spotlight a beautiful symbol of enduring friendship between Japan and the United States. Japan has gifted 250 cherry blossom trees to help commemorate America’s 250th birthday! 🌸

This symbolic gesture continues a long tradition of friendship between Japan and the U.S., using the cherry blossom as a living reminder of our shared history and cultural exchange.

The program will feature remarks from the Embassy of Japan and explore the meaning behind this commemorative gift.

🗓 March 2
📍 George Washington University (in person) and Zoom

We hope you’ll join us, and in celebrating this Monday!

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/march-fmf-japans-gift-of-250-cherry-trees-to-celebrate-us-250th-birthday-tickets-1982082746852

03/02/2026

Sunday, March 8th from 2-4 pm!

Join us and 10 other Seattle sister cities on Sunday, March 8th from 2-4 pm at the 2nd Annual Seattle Sister Cities' Soup Sampling!

Sponsored by the Seattle Sister Cities Association in partnership with the National Nordic Museum, this cultural event allows you to try five soup tastings per entry. Donations of $10 per person are encouraged and benefit the nonprofit Seattle Sister Cities Association to support cultural, educational, and humanitarian programs. This event will be held at the National Nordic Museum.

Walk-in admission will not be available, so please register at this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2nd-annual-seattle-sister-cities-soup-sampling-tickets-1982619058976

02/23/2026

Amazing fireworks in Kobe!

02/17/2026

Exciting event in Portland!

01/26/2026

Come see Japan Currents 2026 at UW!

Japan Currents 2026: Japanese Video Game Culture Crossing the Pacific brings together industry leaders, creators, and scholars to explore how Japanese video game culture travels across borders and adapts to the U.S. market. Through talks and discussion, the program will examine creative philosophies, business strategies, and the cultural exchange that has made Japanese games a global force.

Following the seminar, a post-seminar networking reception will be held in the Walker-Ames Room, offering attendees the opportunity to continue the conversation with speakers, panelists, faculty, and fellow professionals from the gaming, technology, creative, and academic communities in an informal setting.

Register today: https://jassw.info/event-6522956

📅 Wednesday, March 4, 2026 | 4:30 – 6:30pm (Reception 7:00-8:30pm)
📍 University of Washington – Kane Hall (4069 Spokane Lane NE, Seattle)
Seminar is free for all – Registration Required!

🎟️ Post-Seminar Networking Reception Tickets:
$25 for members, $40 for non-members, $10 for member students and $15 for non-member students