Past Events
Japantenna Photo Contest
“Old and New”
From tea ceremony to matcha lattes, paper lanterns to digital art - Japan and Japantown blend echoes of the past with visions of the future.
1ST PLACE WINNER:
Jim Kearns
(Instagram: rawideaphotos)
YOUTH CATEGORY WINNER:
Aya Seng
(Instagram: artsby.aya)
SENIOR CATEGORY WINNER:
Gail T. Weisner
(Instagram: gail.t.weisner.7)
Holiday Sake Tasting Experience
Featuring TCHO chocolate pairings.
November 15 & 16 and December 13 & 14 we had a special Holiday Sake Tasting in collaboration with Sake Trend, a small-batch sake distributor. Take three unique sake varieties served in a keepsake Japantenna sake cup to take home, and enjoy authentic TCHO chocolate pairings. Learn about the history and brewing process of sake behind these festive flavors.
Check out the Sake Trend and the TCHO chocolate websites for more information.
Oshu-No-Ryu
Junmai Daiginjo Blue Dragon
Iwate
Kagura Rui
Midnight Blue
Kyoto
Otokoyama Kitano
Inaho Sparkling
Hokkaido
OSAKA EXPO 2025 POP-UP EXPERIENCE
Japantenna’s Osaka Expo 2025 Pop-up Experience Ribbon Cutting Ceremony featuring State Senator Scott Weiner, Assembly member Catherine Stefani, Board of Supervisors President Rafael Mandelman, Supervisors Connie Chan and Bilal Mahmood, Consul General of Japan Yo Osumi, Japanese representatives from Expo 2025, Japantown SF community leaders, and Official Expo Mascot MYAKU MYAKU.
The Pop-Up Experience gave visitors an exciting preview of what they could expect to see at the Expo - which ran April 13 - October 13, 2025 - with a virtual experience of the Expo, flyers, pamphlets, and Expo staff who were in attendance to talk to visitors.
For more info: EXPO 2025 website
SHODO: JAPANESE CALLIGRAPHY POP-UP EXPERIENCE
On October 19-20, JAPANTENNA presented an exhibit on SHODO, traditional Japanese calligraphy in San Francisco Japantown at the Japantown Cultural District Visitor Center, Japan Center East Mall 2F, above Daiso.
The exhibit included a showcase by Golden Gate Institute, San Francisco’s oldest standing Japanese language school, personalized name-writing and souvenirs, imported calligraphy items and stationery for sale and free Calligraphy workshops.
CALLIGRAPHY WORKSHOP W/ GOYO-KAI
Visitors to the SHODO exhibit on October 19th had the opportunity to participate in a calligraphy workshop with Goyo Morimoto of Goyo-Kai!
Goyo Morimoto holds the rank of 8th Dan/Level, the highest rank set by Nihon Shuji, one of the largest calligraphy associations in Japan. She leads Goyo-kai, a Japanese calligraphy studio composed of students from around the San Francisco Bay Area ranging in age from 7 - 70+ years old. In addition to teaching, she is an artist with a focus on collaboration of abstract painting and calligraphy and has also designed calligraphic logos for multiple organizations.
Kobe November 2023
Kobe, located in Hyogo Prefecture along the scenic coast, is known for its cosmopolitan character shaped by its history as one of the first ports opened to international trade after Japan's Sakoku isolation period. Japantenna hosted a public pop-up experience showcasing Kobe's unique attractions and premium local products. The event featured the historic Port of Kobe, the picturesque Rokko mountains, and the city's rich trading heritage. Attendees sampled world-famous Kobe beef, including Japanese curry prepared with premium Kobe beef, alongside exceptional sake from one of Japan's largest sake-producing regions. The pop-up showcased Kobe's celebrated leather craftsmanship through high-quality bags, shoes, and accessories. From culinary excellence to fine craftsmanship, the event captured Kobe's distinctive fusion of East and West.
Craft Valley October 2023
Craft Valley refers to five historic cities across the Hokuriku region—Himi, Nanto, and Takaoka in Toyama Prefecture; Hida in Gifu Prefecture; and Komatsu in Ishikawa Prefecture—collectively renowned for the exceptional breadth and depth of traditional Japanese craftsmanship. Japantenna hosted a public pop-up experience showcasing the region's extraordinary artisan heritage and culinary traditions. The event featured exquisite Kutani yaki pottery known for vibrant overglaze decoration, elegant Wajima shikki lacquerware celebrated for durability and beauty, masterful woodworking from Hida's skilled craftspeople, and innovative fish leather products. Attendees sampled the region's rich seafood traditions, including ebi senbei (shrimp crackers) and other premium delicacies from the bountiful Sea of Japan coast. The pop-up celebrated Hokuriku as a living museum where centuries-old techniques continue to thrive in the hands of dedicated master artisans.
Ehime July 2023
Located on Shikoku island, Ehime is famous for its warm climate, hillside citrus orchards, historic Matsuyama Castle, and the popular Shimanami Kaido cycling route. In July 2023, Japantenna held a public pop-up event to introduce Ehime's tourist attractions and authentic local products. The event highlighted the Shimanami Kaido, a scenic cycling route connecting Ehime to Hiroshima Prefecture via bridges over the Seto Inland Sea, considered one of the top cycling experiences worldwide. Visitors enjoyed sampling citrus-based treats and sauces made from the region's prized mikan oranges, as well as discovering Imabari towels renowned for their softness and absorbency. The hands-on experience brought Ehime's cultural heritage, natural beauty, and warm hospitality to life for Bay Area attendees.
Fukuoka July 2023
Fukuoka, located on the northern shore of Kyushu island, is known for its vibrant food culture, historic festivals, and dynamic urban energy. Japantenna hosted a public pop-up experience showcasing Fukuoka's unique attractions and culinary traditions through a natsumaturi (summer festival) theme. The event featured the spectacular Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival, one of Japan's most energetic traditional celebrations, alongside the beloved Hakata Dontaku festival. Visitors enjoyed traditional ennichi-style games including superball fishing, creating an authentic festival atmosphere. Attendees sampled iconic Fukuoka specialties, including savory mentaiko (spicy cod roe), rich Hakata ramen, premium Yame tea, and traditional miso. The festive experience immersed visitors in Fukuoka's reputation as Kyushu's culinary capital and one of Japan's most vibrant, livable cities.
Oshu October 2022
Oshu, located in Iwate Prefecture in the Tohoku region, is known for its rich samurai heritage, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and as the hometown of baseball superstar Shohei Ohtani. Japantenna hosted a public pop-up experience showcasing Oshu's unique attractions and traditional products. The event highlighted nearby Hiraizumi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring magnificent temples, which preserve the golden age of northern Fujiwara culture. Attendees sampled Wanko soba, Iwate's famous all-you-can-eat buckwheat noodle tradition, alongside premium local sake. The pop-up showcased exquisite Nanbu Tekki ironware, celebrated for its exceptional craftsmanship and durability—a tradition dating back over 400 years. This journey through Oshu revealed a region where ancient history, living traditions, and modern pride converge.
Kagoshima November 2021
Kagoshima, located at the southern tip of Kyushu island, is known for its dramatic volcanic landscapes, rich samurai heritage, and world-class agricultural products. Japantenna hosted a public pop-up experience showcasing Kagoshima's unique tourism destinations and premium local products. The event highlighted two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Yakushima island, home to ancient cedar forests and mystical mountain landscapes, and the Amami islands, celebrated for their subtropical biodiversity. Visitors also learned about Sakurajima, one of Japan's most active volcanoes, and the stunning Kirishima National Park. Attendees sampled authentic Kagoshima specialties, including shochu, renowned Kagoshima Kuroushi beef, fresh hamachi, and locally grown green tea—the prefecture ranks among Japan's top three producers of shochu, beef, and tea. The pop-up featured exquisite Satsuma Yaki pottery and brilliant Satsuma Kiriko cut glass, embodying the region's enduring artistic legacy.
