Our Most Recent Programs
Celebrating Three Decades of Friendship: Wakayama and Florida
Celebrating Three Decades of Friendship: Wakayama and Florida
The Florida Wakayama Cultural Association was proud to mark the 30th anniversary of the Wakayama–Florida Sister-State relationship at a special ceremony held at Florida International University's Frost Art Museum on November 10th. The milestone event, attended by Consul General Nakano, saw Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd and Wakayama Governor Izumi Miyazaki sign an agreement to reinforce ties and boost youth exchange programs between our regions. Additionally, guests were able to see the exhibit “Harmony of Nature and Art: the Bridge of Spiritual Connection Featuring Noh Masks by Hakuzan Kubo.” This exhibit was organized by the Florida Division of Arts and Culture and the Florida-Wakayama Cultural Association in partnership with the Frost Art Museum.
Miami Arts Studio and Koyasan High School: International Cultural and Educational Exchange
Miami Arts Studio and Koyasan High School: International Cultural and Educational Exchange
The five-day exchange program kicked off with an enthusiastic welcome for Koyasan High School students by Miami Arts Studio (MAS) students. The Japanese students toured the MAS facility, exploring spaces like the Dance Studio, Broadcasting Studio, and Recording Studio, while learning about what a "Magnet" school is. The cultural exchange included creating two Daruma Doll paintings—one for Miami and one for Koyasan—and sharing meditation. MAS students taught the Koyasan group the song "Total Praise," which they then recorded. Students enjoyed walking to and having fun during lunch, and shared an exciting night out at a Miami Heat Game. Later in the week, MAS students learned to make cranes for the 1000 Cranes project from their guests.
The week culminated in two main events: the Koyasan and Miami Arts Studio High School Students Concert on Saturday, November 8, which was opened by Japan’s Consul General Nakano, and a short performance at the Frost Art Museum – FIU on Monday, November 10.
Harmony of Nature and Art: The Bridge of Spiritual Connection Exhibition at FIU
Harmony of Nature and Art: The Bridge of Spiritual Connection
Marking the 30th anniversary of the sister-state relationship between Florida and Wakayama Prefecture, Japan, Harmony of Nature and Art: The Bridge of Spiritual Connection honors decades of cultural exchange, collaboration, and friendship. Established in 1995, the sister-state partnership is part of a broader global initiative to promote mutual understanding, cultural dialogue, educational collaboration, and economic cooperation between regions.
This exhibition brings together works by artists from Florida and Japan, including traditional Noh masks by master carver Hakuzan Kubo, netsuke miniature sculptures from the Frost Art Museum collection, paintings by the Florida Highwaymen, and works in a range of media by contemporary artists. Together, these pieces reflect the enduring spiritual and artistic heritage shared by both regions.
View the exhibit and learn more from FIU using this link.
A Memorable Visit from Wakayama
30th Anniversary Celebration of the Sister State Relationship between Florida and Wakayama at the Atlantic Center for the Arts
Thanks to support from the Florida-Wakayama Cultural Association, two University of West Florida exchange students from Wakayama, Akari and Misaki, visited New Smyrna Beach. While there, they assisted with the 30th Anniversary Celebration of the Sister State Relationship between Florida and Wakayama at the beautiful Atlantic Center for the Arts.
They went to four galleries, three museums, an art house installation, met artists, and the mayor and vice mayor of the City while visiting the Florida Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs in New Smyrna Beach. They gave a presentation about Japan to a group of 6–12-year-olds and visited Canaveral National Seashore. They also met a UWF alum that owns a Dairy Queen and got to pull their soft serve ice cream. The Atlantic Center for the Arts intern, Natalie, was their guide.
Everyone in the community embraced them, gave them gifts, treated them to meals and made them feel special.
View more photos from their stay at this link.