Our Most Recent Programs

Florida-Wakayama Cultural Association 7/22/25 Florida-Wakayama Cultural Association 7/22/25

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.

Florida-Wakayama Cultural Association 7/21/25 Florida-Wakayama Cultural Association 7/21/25

Florida-Wakayama Cultural Exchange Tour 2023

Photos and Art Created on Stephen Shooster’s Florida-Wakayama Cultural Exchange Tour in 2023

Art and Photos Created on Stephen Shooster’s Florida-Wakayama Cultural Exchange Tour in 2023. See more of his work and story on his website, shoosty.com.

Florida-Wakayama Cultural Association 11/18/24 Florida-Wakayama Cultural Association 11/18/24

Governor of Wakayama Visits Tallahassee, October 15 and 16, 2024

Wakayama Governor Visits Tallahassee on October 15 and 16, 2024.

Greeting Governor Kishimoto and team at Tallahassee International Airport October 15, 2024

Dinner at MASA hosted by Lucy Ho. Governor Kishimoto bestows gifts to Lucy and Shigeko for their recent Order of the Rising Sun – Silver Ray Award

Lunch and tour at The Grove Museum – October 16, 2024 (Flower arrangements by Mark Ard)

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Centerpieces by Mark Ard

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Tour of Mission San Luis

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Mission San Luis – Greeting at The Fort

Tour of Conservation Lab – Bureau of Archeological Research

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Tour of Library Archives Stacks

Meeting with Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd

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Tour of the Florida House and Senate Chambers

Opening of the 29th Anniversary Exhibition Featuring Noh Masks by Mr. Kubo 22nd Floor Capitol Art Gallery

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Governor Kishimoto with Florida artists

Musicians

Chocolates wrapped in flags

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Florida-Wakayama Cultural Association 11/4/24 Florida-Wakayama Cultural Association 11/4/24

29th Anniversary Exhibit at the State Capitol

Exhibit in Celebration of the 29th Anniversary of the Florida-Wakayama Sister State Agreement. On view through December 2024 on the 22nd Floor of the Capitol Art Gallery.

Exhibit in Celebration of the 29th Anniversary of the Florida-Wakayama Sister State Agreement.

Organized by the Florida Division of Arts and Culture and the Florida-Wakayama Cultural Association, the exhibit features the exceptional work of Hakuzan Kubo, a highly respected mask carver whose masks are used by professional Noh performers throughout Japan.

Also showcasing Florida artists’ works and pieces in the DOS collections.

Opening Reception: October 16 at 5:00 pm.

Location: 22nd Florida Capitol Art Gallery

On View: Through December 2024