Knox Asian Festival 2025

On August 24, 2025, the Knox Asian Festival (co-hosted by the Asian Culture Center of Tennessee, the City of Knoxville, Knox County, the Consulate-General of Japan in Nashville, and others) was held at Worlds Fair Park in Knoxville, Tennessee. The festival opened with a “Country Parade” featuring participants dressed in traditional costumes from 14 Asian countries and regions, including Japan. Japanese cultural offerings included a sumo performance by USA Sumo, demonstrations of Japanese martial arts like kendo, and musical performances by groups such as the chindonya music group “BENTENYA” from Aichi Prefecture. The sumo exhibition featured four wrestlers: （1） ICHI (former Sekiwake “Ichinojo”, 6’4″ 540 lbs-Winner of Emperor’s Cup (highest award in Japanese Pro Sumo)), （2） HIROKI (6’4″ 570 lbs -Heaviest Sumo Champion on Eart), （3） MENDEE (5’10” 340 lbs -World Sumo Champion), （4） ZORIG (6’3″, 310 lbs -Just came from Japanese Pro Sumo) participated. At the Consulate-General of Japan in Nashville tent, activities included a lecture and tasting of Japanese alcoholic beverages themed “Spirits of Japan,” fan-making workshops, and an introduction to the JET Program. The venue was bustling with many visitors throughout the day.
We sincerely look forward to seeing you again next year at the Knox Asian Festival.