Consul-General Watanabe Hosts Reception for the 2026 Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival
2026/6/22
On Wednesday, June 17, Consul-General Watanabe hosted a reception at his official residence in Nashville to celebrate the 2026 Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival held on April 11 this year.
In his opening remarks, Consul-General Watanabe noted that the festival attracted 60,000 visitors, and expressed his sincere appreciation to the City of Nashville, private companies, Japan-affiliated organizations, and all others who contributed to making the festival a success. Remarks were then delivered by Ms. Ali Tonn, Executive Director of the Nissan Foundation, one of the sponsors of the cherry blossom festival. This was followed by a toast proposed by Mr. Sammie Arnold, Executive Director of the Japan-America Society of Tennessee. The reception also featured a shakuhachi performance by Mr. Sean Tairyu Head, a Nashville-based shakuhachi player.
The reception provided an excellent opportunity for attendees to exchange ideas on the planning and organization of next year's festival, as well as to strengthen connections with a view for future initiatives.
In his opening remarks, Consul-General Watanabe noted that the festival attracted 60,000 visitors, and expressed his sincere appreciation to the City of Nashville, private companies, Japan-affiliated organizations, and all others who contributed to making the festival a success. Remarks were then delivered by Ms. Ali Tonn, Executive Director of the Nissan Foundation, one of the sponsors of the cherry blossom festival. This was followed by a toast proposed by Mr. Sammie Arnold, Executive Director of the Japan-America Society of Tennessee. The reception also featured a shakuhachi performance by Mr. Sean Tairyu Head, a Nashville-based shakuhachi player.
The reception provided an excellent opportunity for attendees to exchange ideas on the planning and organization of next year's festival, as well as to strengthen connections with a view for future initiatives.