2026 Cherry Blossom Festival  - Event Report

2026 Festival Photos (Katie Phillips)

Kyle Porter, Nisa Miranda Spring Intern

Under the blooming cherry blossoms hidden within the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Japanese culture was alive and present in Alabama on March 21st. Our 19th Annual Cherry Blossom Festival welcomed nearly 6,500 guests from all around the state and beyond to enjoy their own piece of Japanese tradition and serenity. The Birmingham Botanical Gardens is home to the historical Japanese Gardens – established in 1967, these gardens have served to highlight the natural and cultural beauty that Japan brings to Birmingham and the surrounding community. Each year, JASA welcomes local communities to enjoy a day full of cultural significance, beautiful dances, and lifelong memories! This year, JASA welcomed over 30 vendors, performers, and organizations to promote their activities, get creative with their community, and share their passions. With booths spread across the entirety of the Japanese Gardens, guests were able to explore their interests while enjoying the soft beauty of the gardens itself.

The festival began at 10:15 AM with the opening ceremonies, facilitated by JASA’s Assistant Director Gwenafaye McCormick, and included kind comments by Kennichi Matsuda, Consul General of Japan in Atlanta; Sonja Smith, City Councilor and Chair of the Arts and Culture Committee; Julia Adams, Head Horticulturalist of the Japanese Gardens; and JASA Board President Carolyn Turner. To kick off the day, Daikin’s drum team, Taiko Force, gave a rousing performance, followed by the UAB students’ Soran Bushi dance performance. As the sun began to shine through the pink and white blossoms, the Birmingham Kendo club took to the performance stage for a striking yet elegant demonstration. 

The performance schedule included a lunch break, which allowed guests time to visit various booths, enjoy the implicit peace of the gardens, and relax under the shade of one of the Gardens’ many trees - perhaps with a tasty lunch! Vendors including Panda Pan Bakery, On The Run Concessions, Cafe Baboy, and Nori Thai & Sushi had a variety of choices for a quick snack or a hot meal. For a more traditional “snack,” guests could participate in the very popular tea ceremony demonstrations at the historic Toshinan Tea House, showcasing the elegance and grace of Japanese traditional tea ceremony - and the deliciously complex flavors of matcha and Japanese tri-colored dango rice dumplings.  JASA’s variety of Japanese cultural activities were particularly popular during the break, with our calligraphy, origami, and kendama booths bustling with creativity and play. JASA’s own booth welcomed more guests to the gardens and shared Japanese culture further with Hinmatsuri doll displays and two beautiful Ikebana arrangements by Miki Jinno.

After the lunch break, guests were welcomed back to the performance stage through the soft sounds of traditional Japanese music, skillfully performed by Geni Skendo. As he concluded his flute performance, guests welcomed Reiko Otomo for her Buyo traditional dance performance, floating across the stage trailing wisteria in her wake. At 2:20 PM, Choko Aiken filled the air with music once again through a piano performance of modern and traditional Japanese music. The Skinkendo Club of Birmingham followed behind with sharp blades and a breathtaking demonstration of their own art form. Finally, the day’s performances ended with an adorable summer dance by the Briarwood Japanese Children’s Club, who pretended to be fireflies and raccoons frolicking in the moonlight! 

The festival concluded at 4:00 PM as guests captured their last photos of the colorful blossoms, and the gardens returned to a quiet state as the sun began to set. 

JASA is honored to have the opportunity to host the annual Cherry Blossom Festival again this year, and to support Japanese presence throughout the state. With increased popularity of the Festival, costs of putting on the event have increased 350% in the last 2 years. Our kind Sakura sponsors - Honda, Page & Jones, Quanta, Topre America Corporation, Madison Metal Processing, and the University of West Alabama - as well as personal donations made a significant impact on the possibility of this event. Similar to the delicate nature of the garden’s pink and white cherry blossoms, supporting Japanese presence through events like these can be challenging, but through community-based support, Japanese culture and communities within Alabama can continue to be supported, and the cherry blossoms can continue to bloom. 

We encourage you, if you are able or interested in being more involved in our mission, to make a one-time donation in support of our work or consider becoming a JASA member. 

Your involvement and support is what makes our work possible - thank you, to our current members, and those who have donated!

        

Written by Kyle Porter

Nisa Miranda Spring Intern

     

     The Japanese Gardens at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens are a unique cultural and thought-provoking space within the state of Alabama. Located on a 7.5 acre area at the southern end of the Botanical Gardens near Mountain Brook Village, the Gardens combine traditional Japanese landscape, architecture, and various cultural elements in a complementary design. Since its dedication in 1967 and major expansion in the early 1990s, the Gardens have become both a peaceful place for visitors and a symbol of cultural exchange between Birmingham and Japan.

     The idea for the Japanese Gardens began in the mid-1960s with Jack Parsons, who wanted to create a thoughtful memorial for his wife, Katie Parsons. Katie was a Japanese immigrant who had hoped to establish a public Japanese-style bird garden where children in Alabama could enjoy nature and learn about Japanese culture. After she passed away in 1964, Parsons worked to turn her dream into a substantive reality. The Federated Garden Club of Alabama supported the preliminary project and established a “Japanese Garden Fund” to raise money. Community leaders and volunteers quickly joined the effort and Jimmy Morgan, chair of the Botanical Gardens Committee on the Birmingham Park and Recreation Board, organized an advisory committee led by Mrs. Harvey Hooks. City horticulturist Carl Mattil helped prepare the site, and planning consultations were held with Kenji Shiozawa & Associates of California.

     In 1965, local architect Darcey Tatum partnered with Japanese-American architect Masaji “Buffy” Murai to ultimately design the Gardens. Their goal was to create a landscape inspired by traditional Japanese gardens while fitting the natural environment of Birmingham. Hundreds of tons of rock were transported from Oak Mountain, and soil from nearby Mountain Brook was used to shape hills, curved paths, and a central lake with a small island. These elements created a carefully designed landscape that appeared to capture the seasonal essence and beauty of Japanese culture and tradition.

     One of the most remarkable features of the Gardens were the tea house obtained from the 1965 New York World’s Fair. Senator John Sparkman helped secure the building as a gift from the Japanese Trade Association. Sent to retrieve it from New York, architect Fritz Woehle had the pegged-wooden structure disassembled and trucked to Birmingham, where it was carefully rebuilt using photographs from the World’s Fair for reference. This original tea house was named Toshinan, the same name the current tea house bears in the Gardens today.

     The Japanese Gardens officially opened on May 6, 1967, with a dedication ceremony attended by the Japanese Ambassador to the United States. The Gardens' opening was celebrated as part of the Birmingham Festival of Arts and marked an important moment of cultural connection between the local community and Japan. Visitors were drawn to the Gardens' distinctive features, including a red torii gate at the entrance, graceful bridges, and colorful koi swimming through its waters. The Gardens continued to develop in the following decades, growing as a cultural pillar throughout the surrounding community. In 1985, Birmingham’s sister city of Hitachi, Japan, donated a large Kasuga-style stone lantern to commemorate the sixtieth year of Emperor Shōwa’s (Hirohito’s) reign. The entrance to the Garden was redesigned in 1988, creating a more formal and welcoming entry point for curious visitors to the larger Botanical Gardens. 

     A major expansion occurred in the early 1990s when the original tea house eventually became structurally unstable, as it was not originally designed to last. Master Japanese carpenter Kazunori Tago worked with local volunteer Doug Moore to construct a new traditional tea house, also called Toshinan. Built using materials from Japan and traditional techniques, the tea house became a staple of the Gardens and earned it a designation as a Japanese Cultural Center by the Japanese government upon its completion in 1993.

     Today, the Japanese Gardens feature bamboo groves, cherry trees, koi ponds, and a traditional dry landscape garden. Cultural programs, community classes, and seasonal festivals continue to exemplify Japanese traditions and spirit with visitors. More than just a beautiful landscape, the Gardens stand as a lasting symbol of friendship, cultural exchange, and the vision of the community that brought it to life.

(photos courtesy of the Birmingham Botanical Gardens)

References

“Japanese Gardens.” Bhamwiki, https://www.bhamwiki.com/w/Japanese_Gardens. Accessed 4 Mar. 2026.

“A Look at the History of the Birmingham Botanical Gardens through Postcards.” Vulcan Park & Museum, 28 July 2020, https://visitvulcan.com/articles/a-look-at-the-history-of-the-birmingham-botanical-gardens-through-postcards/. Accessed 4 Mar. 2026.

“Birmingham Botanical Garden.” North American Japanese Garden Association, https://najga.org/birmingham-botanical-garden/. Accessed 4 Mar. 2026.

“Japanese Garden.” Birmingham Botanical Gardens, https://bbgardens.org/gardens/japanese-garden/. Accessed 4 Mar. 2026.

As we step into a new year, we take a moment to reflect on JASA’s achievements throughout 2025. This year was remarkable, marking a period of growth and renewed energy for our organization. We were pleased to welcome two new members to our team — Gwenafaye McCormick, Assistant Executive Director, and Reiko Nakazawa, Cultural Affairs Coordinator. Their talents and enthusiasm have already made an impact on our programs and our mission.

With their valuable contributions, along with the steadfast leadership of Past Board President Mark Jackson and Executive Director Mike Swinson, JASA has experienced an exceptional year of progress and success. Together with our board, members, and volunteers, we continue to strengthen the bonds between Alabama and Japan and look forward to even greater accomplishments in the year ahead.
From all of us at JASA, we hope you enjoyed a joyful holiday season and wish you a prosperous New Year.

JASA Committee Achievements and Updates

In 2025, under the guidance of our dedicated staff, board members, and committees, JASA has experienced tremendous success across Alabama. Our four committees—Culture, Education, Governmental Affairs, and Corporate—have continued to strengthen connections between Alabama and Japan.

We encourage all JASA Board Members to review the committee details on the JASA Website and support the groups that best align with your interest sectors.

Cultural Committee
Cultural engagement reached record levels, with nearly 10,000 participants at Cherry Blossom Festivals in Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, and the North Alabama Japanese Garden, and over 75,000 attendees at Japan-related events statewide. Monthly Kayoubikai and Friendship dinners remain sold-out events. Cultural Affairs Coordinator Ms. Reiko Nakazawa has expanded popular initiatives such as Japan in a Suitcase and Japanese language classes. The 62-piece Satsuma Pottery Collection, catalogued by Professor Chin at the University of North Alabama, has begun its statewide tour, highlighting Alabama’s cultural ties with Japan.

Education Committee
The Education Committee endorsed the Student Engagement Initiative led by Dr. Mark Davis and Dr. Teresa Wise, which includes JASA internships and the creation of a JASA Student Council. Enrollment of Japanese students at the University of North Alabama currently stands at over 60. And we have 2026 plans to support a Scholarship program to study abroad in Japan. These efforts continue to strengthen educational and cultural exchange across the state.

Governmental Affairs Committee
Under the leadership of Steve Pelham of Auburn University, the Governmental Affairs Committee successfully established the Alabama Japan Legislative Exchange Group, unanimously approved by both legislative chambers. This initiative led to the first Japan Day at the Alabama State House—now officially recognized on March 4—featuring exhibits from Japanese companies and strengthened ties among government and industry leaders.

Corporate Committee
The Corporate Committee hosted the JASA Virtual Speaker Series, featuring leaders from Alabama’s education and technology sectors, and organized recruitment events at the Trash Pandas Stadium in Huntsville. Despite progress, increasing JASA membership among Alabama-based Japanese companies remains a key focus for the coming year. As the State of Alabama Department of Commerce pursues more Foreign Direct Investment from Japan, and with the establishment of the Alabama Business Development Office representation in Japan, JASA stands ready to support the Alabama Economic Development initiatives with Japan. 

Economic Impact
Japan continues to play a vital role in Alabama’s economy as its largest trading partner. Japanese companies contribute significantly across the state—from Daikin and Honda in North and Central Alabama to High Purity Silicone in the south—collectively supporting thousands of jobs and injecting hundreds of millions of dollars into local communities.

JASA remains a crucial bridge between Alabama and Japan. We invite individuals and companies who are not yet members to join us in advancing this important partnership.

Say hello to our new JASA 2025 Fall interns, Ali and Kyle!

Ali and Kyle will be joining in supporting JASA's activities this fall academic semester. Read on to learn more about them both!

Ali is an Integrated Marketing Communications graduate student at the University of West Alabama and is excited to use her skills to further cultural knowledge between Japan and Alabama. Her interest in cultural exchange began at a young age when her mother, a first-generation immigrant from Poland, would tell her of her struggles of coming to the United States, not knowing its language or culture. She attributed her successful integration into American society to the high school that housed both Polish immigrants and American students, allowing them a space for cultural exchange and understanding. 

While working towards her undergraduate degree in Communication Studies at the University of North Alabama, Ali joined the Global Lions Organization on campus, which encourages domestic students to attend and volunteer at international campus events. She was also given the opportunity to be a Resident Advisor in the international student resident hall, where she hosted community programs and helped connect her residents to campus events, despite their language barrier. After graduation, Ali worked as a Resident Director at the University of Alabama in Huntsville for two years, leading a team of Resident Assistants to build community in the residence halls through community events and periodic check-ins. 

In the future, Ali hopes to work in a nonprofit or university setting, connecting communities no matter their cultural or language barriers. For now, she is thrilled to have the opportunity to expand her knowledge of Japan while contributing to JASA’s cross-cultural mission.

Kyle is an undergraduate student at the University of Alabama studying Public Health & Japanese and is honored to serve as an intern for the Japan-America Society of Alabama (JASA)! Throughout his life, Kyle has always had a passion for Japan and its beautiful culture, traditions, and language. Currently, Kyle is in his 3rd year of studying Japanese at the University of Alabama, and holds his personal and academic connections to the language very close.

Kyle is also involved in several other initiatives on his campus, including a Japanese language partner program in which he welcomes new exchange students and helps them acclimate to life in Alabama! Kyle believes that it's so important to foster and support the relationship between Japan and Alabama, and the values that relationship brings to the communities around our state and nation.

With experience working with various organizations, including the U.S. Department of State, and an implicit passion for Japan and its culture, Kyle looks forward to working with JASA this Fall, and to supporting the beautiful connection between Japan and Alabama!

We are so happy to have them both - please give them a very warm JASA welcome!

Learn to make Anmitsu! This refreshing summertime Japanese-style parfait is colorful and healthy filled with fruit, mochi, sweet azuki beans, and a dollop of ice cream.

Thursday, July 29, 5:00 PM CST / 6:00 PM EST / 3:00 PM PST

Wa-Shokuiku -Learn. Cook. Eat Japanese invites you to join for a free virtual Japanese event to create this favorite Japanese summer dessert. You can cook along or just watch! All participants will receive the ingredient and equipment list in the zoom registration confirmation. Kids & adults of all ages are welcome, it’s a great family activity!

Register here and make sure to follow their Instagram @tablefor2_usa for a preview video of the desert! 

AshaKiran is a non-profit in Huntsville looking for bilingual people in Alabama to take part in their interpreter training program.

DEADLINE TO APPLY: July 2, 2019

$25 Application fee required.

Who should attend:  Those who are fully fluent bilingual people in Alabama. The individual should be fluent in English and any other language/s. 

Course requirements: 42 hours training through a combination of online sessions, full day in person workshop, practicum and video interview. 

Benefits: Eligible for paid assignment with AshaKiran. They can also work for other organizations and use their new skills as interpreter. Giving back to the community by helping those with limited English proficiency.

Lead Trainer- Carola E. Green-has 20+ years’ experience in professional interpreting as well as teaching and training interpreters. Other trainers include AshaKiran staff and subject matter experts who have experience working with victims and/or victim service providers.

This will be a great opportunity to put your language skills to good use (and maybe even earn some money).

For Application or questions, email LADV@ashakiranonline.org

Date: Monday, March 5, 2018**

**NOTE: The date for this event has changed from 3/2 to 3/5!

Location: Gulf Power Facility, One Energy Place, Pensacola, FL 32520

 

A “Japan-US Grass-Root Business Partnership Forum” will be held by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) on March 5th in collaboration with local authorities.

This forum will deepen the essential economic partnership between Japan and the U.S., as well as advocate the creation of new business through bi-directional trade and investment, strengthening cooperative work between Japan and U.S. companies, as well as through business expansion in other countries and regions.

Register Here

Read more about Dr. Woodall here: https://www.iac.gatech.edu/people/faculty/woodall

We are excited to announce that Brian Woodall, Ph.D., Professor at Georgia Tech’s Sam Nunn School of International Affairs and Director of the Georgia Tech East Asia Program, will be speaking at The University of Alabama’s Gorgas Library Rm 205 on January 23rd, 2018 at 3:30pm. Whether you are a student, JASA member, or simply have an interest in Japan or foreign affairs, please join us for Dr. Woodall’s lecture tailored to those with an interest in diplomacy and international relations.

 

Please RSVP via Facebook, and if you have any questions feel free to message or send an email to intern@jasaweb.org.

 

Parking details will be posted in the discussion.