JASK Japan Festival 2026

On Saturday, September 12, Consul-General Watanabe participated in the JASK (Japan/America Society of Kentucky) Japan Festival held in Frankfort, Kentucky.

In his opening remarks, Consul-General Watanabe expressed appreciation to the Japan/America Society of Kentucky, the volunteers who made the festival possible, and the corporate sponsors. He also noted that the economic partnership between Japan and Kentucky has brought significant benefits to both sides and has fostered decades of grassroots exchange. In addition, he mentioned that the Kentucky Japan Caucus was launched last year in the state general assembly, further strengthening ties between Japan and Kentucky. He also noted that next year will mark the 10th anniversary of the sister-city relationship between Frankfort and Shimamoto in Osaka Prefecture. He expressed his hope that exchanges will continue to expand and that the friendship between Japan and Kentucky—and between Japan and the United States—will grow ever stronger.

The festival featured many organizations showcasing Japanese culture and drew a large number of visitors. The Consulate-General held a JET Program information session and sake tastings as part of the festival’s cultural programs.