Knox Asian Festival

05/10/2025

Happy Mother’s Day weeekend from all of us at the Asian Culture Center of Tennessee! 💐

We celebrate and honor the love, strength, and dedication of all mothers in our community and around the world. Thank you for everything you do. ❤️

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05/09/2025

🇯🇵✨ We had a wonderful time visiting Knox County Community School to share Japanese culture with the 4th graders! The students were full of energy and curiosity as they enjoyed:

🌸 Traditional summer dancing
📖 Kamishibai (Japanese storytime with picture cards)
⚪ Tamaire (a fun athletic game to count to 10 in Japanese)
📄 Sumo Origami folding fun

At the end, the students said "Arigato!" with a respectful bow — such a heartwarming moment! 💕

Thank you so much to our amazing volunteers who helped make this cultural experience so special. We couldn’t have done it without you!

We hope the students will join us at the 12th Knox Asian Festival to continue exploring the rich and diverse cultures of Asia. See you there! 🌏🎉

05/09/2025

Message from Mana !

🧡Thank You, University of Tennessee, Knoxville🧡

Over the past two years, I’ve had the pleasure of sharing Japanese culture with the wonderful community here through Yosakoi (the Japanese fisherman’s dance), the Japanese calligraphy club, cultural presentations, VJCA, Japan Coffee House, and many more events.

Through these activities, I was able to introduce aspects of Japanese culture, but I also learned so much about American culture in return—thanks to the friendships I’ve made here.
Many of the students supported my outreach efforts as volunteers, and I’m deeply grateful for their enthusiasm and kindness.

Their positive attitude toward learning Japanese language and culture has truly inspired me. As someone who is also studying a second language, I understand how challenging it can be. But I firmly believe that learning another language opens up your world and expands your possibilities.

While sharing Japanese culture was a wonderful experience, what touched me the most was getting to know each student personally—hearing their stories about how they became interested in Japan and discovering who they are beyond the classroom. Those one-on-one connections meant so much to me.

I sincerely hope their connection with Japan continues to grow for many years to come.

Lastly, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the professors and faculty members at UTK who gave me the opportunity to carry out these outreach activities. Your support made everything possible, and I’m truly thankful.

思い出がありすぎて寂しいけれど、
みなさんの明るい未来をずっと応援しています🇯🇵
GO, VOLS🧡🧡

05/07/2025

🎨 Announcing the 2025 Knox Asian Festival Poster Contest Junior Winners! 🎉
https://www.knoxasianfestival.com/poster-contest-application/2025-poster-contest/

🎉 Special Junior Award:
This year, we were so inspired by our younger artists that we’ve created a special recognition:

🏅 Abigail Li – Junior Award ($100 + Festival T-shirt)
Abigail, we can’t wait to celebrate you on stage at the World’s Fair Park Amphitheater on August 24th!

Poster Contest Committees
Asian Culture Center of Tennessee 🌺

05/07/2025

🎨 Announcing the 2025 Knox Asian Festival Poster Contest Winners! 🎉

Thank you so much to everyone who submitted such beautiful artwork for the 12th Knox Asian Festival Poster Contest! We were truly impressed by your incredible talent and creativity. 🌟

This year, we received 44 amazing entries, including many heartfelt submissions from junior artists. Your dedication and passion brought so much joy to our community.

After combining public votes and the final decision from our Arts Board, we’re excited to announce the winners:

🏆 Poster Contest Winners:
🥇 1st Place – Vanna Laher ($500 + Festival T-shirt)
🥈 2nd Place – Liz Lee ($100 + Festival T-shirt)
🥉 3rd Place – Cassandra Boyle ($50 + Festival T-shirt)

👏 Congratulations! Vanna Laher will also be invited to share her inspiration behind the winning design. All three winners will be honored on stage at the Amphitheater on August 24th during the festival!

💖 Huge thanks to our Award Sponsor, Big Orange BBQ, for generously donating the 2nd and 3rd place prizes.

🖼️ All submitted posters will be proudly displayed at the Bridge Wall during the festival, where attendees can admire your artwork and read your artist bios. We truly appreciate every artist who participated.

👕 All contest participants will also receive an official Knox Asian Festival T-shirt. Just stop by the Main Information Desk on festival day and give your name to pick up your shirt.

Thank you again for making this year’s poster contest so special. Your art helps us celebrate the richness and diversity of Asian cultures in Tennessee. ❤️

With gratitude,
Poster Contest Committees
Asian Culture Center of Tennessee 🌺

The Asian Culture Center of Knoxville, TN, provides outreach programs for K-12 schools and universities. We also host community events promoting cultural peace

05/07/2025

🎭✨ Join us this Sunday, May 11th, at the Knoxville Museum of Art for a day of music, creativity, and storytelling!

🕐 1:00 PM – Performance by the UTK Gamelan
🕑 2:00 PM – Hands-on Workshop
🕞 3:30 PM – Shadow Puppet Play: Wayang Katalistrik

Experience the story of the mysterious Wampus Cat and its encounters with humans and electricity in East Tennessee! 🌩🐱

This unique shadow play is a collaboration with artist Nyssa Collins, blending traditional gamelan with live electronic improvisation inspired by Walter Thompson’s sign language for live composition.

🎶 Don’t miss this powerful fusion of art, culture, and innovation!

📍 Knoxville Museum of Art
🗓 Sunday, May 11th
🎟 Free and open to the public!

05/04/2025

🌟✨ May the 4th Be With You! ✨🌟
Happy Star Wars Day from all of us at the Knox Asian Festival Team! Just like the Jedi, we believe in unity, courage, and the power of culture.

🪐 Did you know that many elements of Star Wars—like the Jedi code, lightsaber combat, and costumes—were inspired by Asian culture, especially samurai traditions and Zen philosophy?

🚀 Join us this summer as we celebrate the richness of Asian cultures, where tradition meets the future—just like a galaxy far, far away…

📅 Save the date for the 12th Knox Asian Festival – and get ready to experience epic performances, delicious food, and cultural wonders from across Asia!



https://thenerdsofcolor.org/2018/05/10/go-asians-a-history-of-aapi-representation-in-star-wars/

05/03/2025

🌺 May is Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month! 🌏
Learn more: asianpacificheritage.gov

This month, we honor the rich heritage, resilience, and contributions of Asian and Pacific Islander communities—who have helped shape America’s past and continue to inspire its future.

🎉 In August, We invite YOU to experience the vibrant cultures of Asia and the Pacific Islands at the:

🎌 12th Knox Asian Festival Weekend 🎌

📅 August 23 – Sushi & Sumo Night
🍣 Enjoy an unforgettable evening featuring traditional Sumo wrestling and Sushi tastings at the WFP Amphitheater!
🎟️ Get Tickets

📅 August 24 – Main Festival Day (Downtown Knoxville)
🌏 Celebrate the cultures of 14 countries at our international pavilion
🔥 Enjoy Sumo, Hula and Fire Dances, live music, martial arts, traditional dress, and more
🧭 Don’t miss our Passport Program — a cultural journey for all ages!
🎟️ Get Tickets

Let’s come together to honor heritage, share traditions, and build a stronger community through culture and connection.

05/02/2025

🎉🇹🇼 Congratulations to Our Taiwan 101 Culture Class Graduates! 🎉

We are so proud of everyone who completed the Taiwan 101 Culture Class! Through food, language, history, and traditions, you’ve explored the heart of Taiwan and gained a deeper understanding of its rich and vibrant culture.

Thank you for your enthusiasm, curiosity, and commitment to learning. Special thanks to our amazing instructors and organizers who made this journey possible!

Let’s continue to celebrate cultural exchange and global friendship. 🌏💬🎊

Thank you so much Tiger, Marcia and Grace for teaching.

05/01/2025

🌷2025 Muroran sister city students delegation. ❤️

We enjoyed sharing Japanese culture and practice how to introduce yourself in Japanese!

🌸Thank you so much Japanese Volunteers! 💕

05/01/2025

🎉 We are thrilled to welcome Teijin Company as an official sponsor of the 12th Knox Asian Festival! 🇯🇵🌏

Teijin is excited to join our vibrant community and support our mission of promoting cultural understanding and unity through the celebration of Asian heritage. Their partnership helps us continue to create a meaningful, inclusive experience for all.

Thank you, Teijin, for standing with us as we build bridges across cultures! 💫

04/27/2025

📣 Public Voting for the 12th Knox Asian Festival Poster Contest is OPEN! 🎨✨

https://www.knoxasianfestival.com/poster-contest-application/2025-poster-contest/

Help us choose the winning design! The winning Poster will be printed on this year’s official festival t-shirts and posters!

🗳️ Scan the QR code below and vote for your favorite!

📅 Voting closes on April 30th — we will announce the winner on May 5th!
Don't miss your chance to be part of this exciting moment for the festival!

Thank you for supporting the amazing talents in our community! ❤️