11th Annual Cheekwood Moon Viewing Festival
2025/10/9
On Sunday, October 5, the Consulate-General of Japan in Nashville and the Cheekwood Estate and Gardens hosted the 11th annual Cheekwood Moon Viewing festival at Cheekwood. The Moon Viewing Festival featured a variety of Japanese cultural activities, including mochi pounding, tea ceremony, Japanese taiko drums, calligraphy, ikebana, kamishibai shows, shamisen performances, and a kimono fashion show. Guided tours of the Japanese garden “Shomuen” in Cheekwood were also held.
Keynote speakers included US Senator Bill Hagerty, who spoke about the importance of cultural understanding and the strength of the Japan-US relationship. Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell also spoke and highlighted the deep connection between Nashville and Japan, specifically mentioning the sister city relationship with Kamakura. During the ceremony, Consul-General Watanabe presented Consul-General’s Commendations to Mr. Kanji Takayama and Mrs. Cheryl Takayama in recognition of their distinguished service in contributing to the deepening of mutual understanding and friendship between Japan and Tennessee.
Thankfully, a beautiful moon could be seen, allowing the participants to fully enjoy Japanese culture and the beauty of Cheekwood. We would like to thank all the guests who came to the event and sincerely appreciate everyone who helped make the Moon Viewing festival possible.
Keynote speakers included US Senator Bill Hagerty, who spoke about the importance of cultural understanding and the strength of the Japan-US relationship. Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell also spoke and highlighted the deep connection between Nashville and Japan, specifically mentioning the sister city relationship with Kamakura. During the ceremony, Consul-General Watanabe presented Consul-General’s Commendations to Mr. Kanji Takayama and Mrs. Cheryl Takayama in recognition of their distinguished service in contributing to the deepening of mutual understanding and friendship between Japan and Tennessee.
Thankfully, a beautiful moon could be seen, allowing the participants to fully enjoy Japanese culture and the beauty of Cheekwood. We would like to thank all the guests who came to the event and sincerely appreciate everyone who helped make the Moon Viewing festival possible.