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Japanese-Language Proficiency Test

The Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) is administered worldwide by the Japan Foundation and...
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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 Kimono: Part I, II, & III
Tuesday, 31 August 2010

o One of the hallmark images of Japanese culture is that of the kimono. A graceful traditional garb that has captured the imagination of foreigners since ukiyo-e woodblock prints, featuring women clad in the iconic outfit, reached beyond Japan’s borders after the country’s period of isolationism ended. And it is no wonder that the picturesque view of a woman dressed in a kimono is appreciated abroad, for the bright, colorful garments convey an aura of beauty, fragility, and serenity.
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The Japanese Beer Garden
Thursday, 22 April 2010

Outdoor beer gardens can be found around the world, and a particularly unique variety is seeing increasing popularity throughout Japan. During summer months, beer gardens on the rooftops of department store buildings provide a refuge high above the teeming, sweltering maze of Tokyo and other large cities. While some may be decorated with Japanese lanterns and carp ponds, the Japanese beer garden tends not to have the botanical charm of their European cousins and instead provides a refreshing sanctuary from the discomforts of city life in the summer. Drinks are usually served in typical nomi-houdai fashion(all-you-can drink) for up to two hours, with the same option often offered for food (tabe-houdai).
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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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