Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia

08/14/2026

The volunteers at and Philadelphia Insurance Companies are an outstanding example of the difference a company can make in our community. Thank you again for all of your hard work and dedication to beautifying Philadelphia!

08/07/2026

Just a reminder, the Japanese Yoshuku Calligraphy Workshop is next Wednesday at Shofuso!

In this hands-on workshop you will create the character Hasu (Lotus) and learn about it's connection to the Obon holiday.

The workshop will include:
- Introduction to Azumi’s new book, “YOSHUKU: The Japanese Art of Manifesting”
- Discussion of a chapter relevant to Obon
- Azumi will lead a short, guided meditation
- Calligraphy session (materials will be provided)

Wednesday, August 12
5:30 – 7:30 PM
Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center
Lansdowne and Horticultural Drives, Philadelphia, PA 19131

Tickets: $75 - includes a copy of Azumi's new book, "YOSHUKU: The Japanese Art of Manifesting".
(JASGP Members must login first to receive a $10 discount)
https://ow.ly/xy0m50ZtS5b

Reserve your place today for this unique event!

Wednesday, August 12 5:30 – 7:30 PM Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center Lansdowne and Horticultural Drives, Philadelphia, PA 19131 | Directions Tickets: $75 – Includes a copy of Azumi& #82…

08/06/2026

Interested in becoming a JET applicant? Join US JET Alumni Association for this impactful virtual workshop on how to make your application stronger - June 25th at 7:30 -9:00 PM online.

✨ Applying to the JET Program this year?

Join us on Tuesday, August 25, at 7:30 PM ET for JET Application Workshop: Putting Your Best Foot Forward and learn how to build a stronger application.

Through a presentation, alumni panel, and breakout Q&A, you'll gain insight into what makes a compelling JET applicant, identify the experiences that set you apart, and refine your "WHY".

Presented in partnership with Positive Global Learning, one of our JET Alumni-Owned Business sponsors.

🔗 Register here: www.usjetaa.org/news/jet-app-workshop2026

08/06/2026

PLEASE NOTE: The Saturday, August 8th Mukaebi Obon Lantern Floating Ceremony at Shofuso has been moved to Sunday, August 9th due to rain in the forecast. The time and schedule for the event will be the same, from 7:30 to 9:30 PM. Anyone who has already purchased tickets will be contacted with more information.

Okuribi Lantern Floating Ceremony is still scheduled for Saturday, August 15th and there are still tickets available. Please visit our website for more information. https://ow.ly/nwni50Zx74O

Thank you, and we look forward to seeing you for these beautiful nights of remembrance at Shofuso.

07/29/2026

There are only 2 weeks until the Japanese Yoshuku Calligraphy Workshop at Shofuso with Azumi Uchitani! In this hands-on workshop you will create the character Hasu (Lotus) and learn about it's connection to the Obon holiday.

The workshop will include:
- Introduction to Azumi’s new book, “YOSHUKU: The Japanese Art of Manifesting”
- Discussion of a chapter relevant to Obon
- Azumi will lead a short, guided meditation
- Calligraphy session (materials will be provided)

Wednesday, August 12
5:30 – 7:30 PM
Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center
Lansdowne and Horticultural Drives, Philadelphia, PA 19131

Tickets: $75 - includes a copy of Azumi's new book, "YOSHUKU: The Japanese Art of Manifesting".
(JASGP Members must login first to receive a $5 discount)
https://ow.ly/xy0m50ZtS5b

Space is limited - Reserve your place today for this unique event!

07/24/2026

Thank you to Hiromi Senju and Kyoko for visiting Shofuso and sharing their knowledge about the care and preservation of Hiroshi Senju’s fusuma paintings.

During the visit, Kyoko demonstrated the proper method for carefully cleaning and maintaining the painted surfaces. We look forward to welcoming them back later this year as we continue working together to preserve Hiroshi Senju’s artwork and Shofuso for future generations.

Photo L-R: Kyoko, Hiromi Senju, Candice Graham (Shofuso Site Manager), Mirai Yasuyama (JASGP Board Member and Shofusu Heritage Campaign Committee Co-Chair), Alexander Polyakov (Garden Curator and Preservation Director)

07/19/2026

Shofuso will be open today, July 19th from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. To plan your visit, go to https://japanphilly.org/shofuso/visit/

Thank you for your patience during the unexpected closures caused by the Canadian wildfires. We look forward to welcoming you back to Shofuso!

07/18/2026

⚠️ Shofuso is Closed Today ⚠️
Due to hazardous air quality caused by smoke from the Canadian wildfires, Shofuso Japanese House and Garden will remain closed today, Saturday, July 18th, to protect the health and safety of our guests and staff.

We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding. Please stay safe and limit outdoor activity while air quality remains poor.

07/17/2026

JAPANESE YOSHUKU CALLIGRAPHY WORKSHOP with AZUMI UCHITANI - AUGUST 12th at SHOFUSO

JASGP is excited to welcome Azumi Uchitani to Shofuso for an exploration of Japanese wisdom, life philosophy, and traditional customs of yoshuku, or “pre-celebration,” followed by meditation and a calligraphy workshop. In keeping with the season the focus will be on the Obon holiday. We hope you will join us for this memorable event.

The workshop will include:
• Introduction to Azumi’s new book, “YOSHUKU: The Japanese Art of Manifesting”
• Discussion of a chapter relevant to Obon
• Azumi will lead a short, guided meditation
• Calligraphy session where guests will create a Kanji character related to the Obon holiday

Learn more about Azumi at her website: https://ow.ly/8Bup50ZoXGc or Instagram https://ow.ly/YJhz50ZoXGf

Japanese Yoshuku Calligraphy Workshop with Azumi Uchitani
Wednesday, August 12
5:30 – 7:30 PM
Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center
Lansdowne and Horticultural Drives, Philadelphia, PA 19131
Tickets: $75 – Includes a copy of Azumi’s new book, “YOSHUKU: The Japanese Art of Manifesting”
(JASGP Members must login first to receive a $5 discount)

To learn more about the Workshop and to purchase tickets, please visit our website: https://ow.ly/b2Rx50ZoXGb