Exploring Japanese Culture Locally in Nashville

Japan is on our bucket list. After visiting the Journey through Japan exhibition at the Frist Art Museum, it might have jumped a few notches up the list.

Origami stations, Taiko performance, calligraphy writing, koi fish craft…the Frist ArtsFest gave us a sampling of Japanese culture. One enlightening moment was when our son recognized a movie clip he’d seen at school last week. Ponyo– we’d never heard of it, but here it is in a museum exhibit.

Did you know it’s impolite to ask a Bonsai owner how old the tree is?

It’s the equivalent of going up to a random woman on the street and asking her age. Well, you’ve been warned. Since Bonsai is considered an art form, whether an artist achieves a mature-looking tree early or late in a tree’s lifetime is none of our business. And did you know Bonsai trees can be any type? Check out this Nashville Bonsai Society gallery to see great examples!

Did you know the US has a stronger affinity for Gengar than Pikachu?

The boys loved locating the places we’ve been and discovering their favorite Pokemon. The Make Your Own Manga activities were a hit. It’s amazing how much better they’re getting at creating their own stories.

We go to the world, but sometimes the world comes to us!

It was such a treat to get to see what’s known as Hokusai’s “The Great Wave” here in our hometown. For dinner we decided to continue the Japanese theme with some sushi, and they spotted the iconic piece of work right away.

What opportunities are in your hometown to get to experience another culture without heading to the airport?

7 responses to “Exploring Japanese Culture Locally in Nashville”

  1. Jennifer Record Avatar
    Jennifer Record

    What a unique post- I had no idea you could experience such varied cultures in Nashville (nor did I know it’s rude to ask a tree’s age!) You’ve inspired me to search locally for experiences that connect me to other parts of the world.

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  2. Georgina Avatar
    Georgina

    What a fascinating post! I had no idea Asheville offered such unique opportunities to experience Japanese culture—your insights are inspiring. Living just 20 minutes from London, I’m fortunate to be surrounded by diverse cultural experiences too, from vibrant festivals to authentic cuisine and serene gardens. You’ve encouraged me to look closer at my local area for hidden gems that connect me to different parts of the world. Thank you for sharing!

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  3. Josy A Avatar
    Josy A

    Fab post! I used to work for the Japan Foundation in the UK – we’d set up those kinds of events to give people a taste of Japanese culture in their hometown. It’s great to see this happens in the USA as well.

    In case it helps, it looks like the Japanese consulate in Nashville also runs these kinds of events if your kids want to see/do more! https://www.nashville.us.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/00_000317.html

    If your children’s school is interested, they lend out kits with cultural items so schools can run their own Japan days. They go down really well 🙂

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  4. At Lifestyle Crossroads Avatar
    At Lifestyle Crossroads

    This is so cool! I had no idea Nashville had so many ways to explore Japanese culture. I am obsessed with the calligraphy writing! Thanks for sharing!

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  5. Linda (LD Holland) Avatar

    Interesting to read about how you can learn more about the Japanese culture in Nashville.  I can see my this might move Japan up on your travel wish list.  Finishing your visit with sushi sounds perfect!  

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  6. Natalie Vereen-Davis Avatar

    I love finding experiences like this with my kids–it helps us learn while satisfying that wanderlust for a bit! (I also had NO idea about it being rude to ask about the bonsai age!)

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  7. Sonia Avatar
    Sonia

    It’s amazing what you can uncover so close to home. We visited Nashville, but were focused on the typical Nashville activities. So much more to see it seems.

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I’m Chelsea!

Welcome to Domino Tracks, where we prepare kids for upcoming travel experiences. As both educator and mom, I want to raise boys who see that humans are more alike than different. The world is our classroom!

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