Japan has been celebrating the beauty of the elegant cherry blossom for hundreds of years with picnics under the trees accompanied by traditional music and dance. Our cherry blossom festival is the fastest growing American counterpart to this Japanese tradition, celbrating Philadelphia’s cherry blossoms – both those donated by the Japanese government in 1926 and those planted annually by the JASGP – with two weeks of Japan-related events each spring.

Inaugurated by the JASGP in 2000, the Philadelphia-Japan Health Sciences Dialogue aims to enhance awareness of healthcare and life science issues and opportunities that exist in　Japan and the U.S. by facilitating communication among industry, government and academic groups from both countries. The forum also showcases healthcare expertise in the Delaware Valley and promotes collaboration between regional institutions and Japan.

In 2007, the JASGP achieved its goal of planting 1,000 cherry trees in Fairmount Park to supplement the 1,600 flowering trees donated by Japanese government as a gesture of friendship in 1926. But it hasn't stopped there -- the JASGP continues planting trees in community parks and organizes volunteer tree maintenance groups to ensure Fairmount Park's cherry trees grow up healthy and beautiful.

The Conversation Club is an informal forum where Japanese and English speakers can practice their conversational language skills. Our Club's members include speakers of all levels of Japanese and English. Participation is FREE and you never need to RSVP in advance to attend our meetings. Drop by on a Tuesday or Thursday and join us!