Konnichiwa Philadelphia!
Welcome to Konnichiwa Philadelphia, a feature dedicated to highlighting the relationship between Philadelphia and Japan in the modern day and in years gone by. We'll also cover interesting societal and cultural content about Japan.

Check back every two weeks for a new article, and rediscover Philadelphia from a Japanese perspective!Subscribe to the Konnichiwa Philadelphia

The First Gift From the US to Japan
Tuesday, 22 December 2009
Konnichiwa, Philadelphia. Did you know that the very first gift the US presented to Japan was also the very first train ride in the Far East? In the middle of the nineteenth century, two of the leading manufacturers of steam locomotives in the US were located in Philadelphia, on Spring Garden Street on either side of the Sixteenth Street. The properties of Richard Norris and Company and the Baldwin Locomotive Works extended several blocks south.
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Philadelphia Artist Hiro Sakaguchi - Idle Daydreams @ Seraphin Gallery
Thursday, 10 September 2009
JASGP is pleased to announce that Seraphin Gallery will begin its new season on September 12th with Idle Daydreams, an exhibition of new drawings and paintings by Japanese-Philadelphian artist Hiro Sakaguchi.
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Obon
Tuesday, 07 July 2009
Obon is a Japanese custom honoring the spirits of one's ancestors. It was first observed over 500 years ago, eventually becoming a family reunion holiday where people are given leave from work. Over the three day period of the celebration, families will gather together, visit their ancestors' graves, and clean their ancestors' graves and their household altars They will also participate in summer festivals where people play Japanese carnival games and eat traditional summer festival food such as watermelon and takoyaki.
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Interview with the Cherry Blossom Queen
Tuesday, 05 May 2009
The 22nd Cherry Blossom Queen, Erisa Kazui, came to Sakura Sunday on April 5. The next day she read picture-book stories in Japanese to children at Center City Philadelpahia libraries. Looking poised in her kimono, her sunny disposition and grace charmed many people during her two day stay in town. Let’s see what she had to say.
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Teru Teru Bozu
Tuesday, 14 April 2009
Spring can be a most welcome, yet frustrating time of year. The temperature is rising, the sakura (cherry blossoms) are blooming, and still, many of our much-anticipated outdoor plans are only too often spoiled by rain. What can we do to defend our spring days against the lingering threat of rain and cold? Japan has an answer.
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