Japan America Society of Iowa

05/25/2026

Join us for another special event this Wednesday at the Varsity Cinema. There will also be a Q&A after the show with the Director, Yuriko Gamo-Romer.

If you love CelebrAsian, two upcoming events in Des Moines will offer another way to experience Japanese culture, baseball history, and international friendship. Story in the link below.

05/24/2026

Thank you everyone, who visited the Japanese Village yesterday at CelebrAsian!

It was an extremely busy day yesterday! Everyone enjoyed learning about Tea Ceremony, tasting Yakitori, Butadon, Gyoza, and Japanese Snacks, and doing fun activities with the Manabiya and Musubi students!

Sign up for monthly newsletter at [email protected] to see more photos from CelebrAsian!

05/22/2026

Japanese Language students from Drake University.... wearing the Pikachu Mascot at CelebrAsian!!

05/22/2026

The Japanese Village is open! Come visit us at CelebrAsian!

05/19/2026

Experience the beauty of Japanese culture at the Japan Village!
Enjoy authentic tea ceremonies and participate in the Stone Garden Workshop. The stone garden complements the tea ceremony by bringing a sense of calmness, mindfulness, and connection with nature.
Tea ceremonies will take place at the following scheduled times, and the Stone Garden Workshop will be available between tea ceremonies.
5/22 12:00, 2:00, 4:00, 6:00
5/23. 12:00, 1:30, 3:00, 4:30, 6:00, 7:30
Craft experiences of Kumihimo braiding and Origami will also be available at the Japan Village!
See you there.

05/08/2026

Join us at CelebrAsian on May 22–23 from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM and experience the vibrant Japan Village presented by JASI!

[ Japan Village Highlights ]

* Food Tent
Enjoy Butadon — awarded a featured food at CelebrAsian 2025 — along with yakitori and gyoza.

* Concession Tent
Japanese snacks and drinks, including Ramune and Hello Kitty candies.

* JASI Tent
The Language School table will host games and craft activities for all ages.

* Culture Tent
Experience Japanese tea ceremonies in a tea-space atmosphere enhanced by a Karesansui (Japanese stone garden). Between ceremonies, visitors are welcome to redesign the stone garden themselves.

Tea Ceremony Schedule:
Friday 5/22: 12:00, 2:00, 4:00, 6:00
Saturday 5/23: 12:00, 1:30, 3:00, 4:30, 6:00, 7:30
Each ceremony will seat 8 people, first come first served.

* Main Stage Performances by JASI – Saturday 5/23
12:15 PM – Soten Taiko performance
3:00 PM – Live calligraphy and taiko collaboration

* Food Demonstration
Learn how to make miso soup at the Cooking Demonstration tent on Saturday at 2:00 PM.

Join us for fun, culture, food, and interactive experiences celebrating Japan!

05/04/2026

🏮 CelebrAsian is almost here, and JASI needs your help at the Japanese Village! 🏮

We're looking for volunteers on Friday, May 22 and Saturday, May 23.

🍵 Tea Ceremony Volunteer: Help provide this authentic experience to our guests
👘 Culture Volunteer: Share your love of Japanese culture & traditions (no expertise needed!)
🍡 Concessions Volunteer: Bring the energy at our snack & merch booth

🎁 All volunteers get a special JASI gift bag! Sign up here → https://forms.gle/v2CTxzUBegaHAYZS8

04/18/2026

We’re sorry, this event is sold out. We hope you can join us at our next tea event.

04/15/2026

🌸 Cherry Blossoms & Matcha Experience 🌸

Join us for a relaxing spring afternoon inspired by Japanese tea culture.

- Date: 4/19/26 (Sunday)
- Time: 3:30–5:00 PM
- Location: 4801 Franklin Ave
#1240
Des Moines, I A.50310

Learn how to prepare traditional matcha tea and how to receive tea in the Japanese way—then enjoy a moment of calm with seasonal cherry blossom inspiration and mini taiyaki sweets.

Come sip, learn, and experience the beauty of spring through tea.

Register here: https://forms.gle/crYDgqPRL1G6sHcJA

04/12/2026

Yesterday, the Miso and Udon Making Event was a success!!!

Thank you everyone who came and had fun at the event!

We might host another Miso and Udon Making event in the future!