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Japan House

Students gathering around a presentation at the Japan House

Thanks to the generosity of the state of Florida and many friends and partners, the Japan House has become a reality on the University of West Florida campus. Our goal is to foster stronger ties between the U.S. and Japan through educational, cultural and business programs.

Presentation of making tea during a Japanese tea ceremony
"Sado" or Japanese tea ceremony

The Japan House is located in Building 71 on the main campus of the University of West Florida. It features an authentic tea room in the tradition of urasenke and an authentic Japanese “tatami” room built with materials brought from Japan. The mission of the Japan House is to provide opportunities for the community to experience and appreciate Japanese culture and history. 

The Japan House features displays of artifacts collected from Japan. Ongoing workshops and activities are held regularly for those who seek to enjoy Japanese culture and meet with others. These workshops and activities include “sado” (tea ceremony), origami, calligraphy, language, ikebana (flower arrangement), washoku (Japanese cuisine), Japan House tours and more.

Japan Outreach Initiative

Experience Japan in Pensacola from Fall 2023 - Summer 2025

 The Japan Outreach Initiative (JOI), in partnership with the Japan Foundation and Laurasian Institution, brings education and understanding of Japanese culture to regions where access is limited. Our JOI coordinator can come to you or enjoy the opportunities available on-site at UWF's Japan House in building 71.

For more information about JOI, visit the Japan Foundation New York JOI page or laurasian.org/joi.

 

Akiko Yamamoto
JOI Coordinator Akiko Yamamoto

Meet UWF's JOI Coordinator - Akiko Yamamoto

Konnichiwa (Hello)! JOI is a unique opportunity for the Pensacola community to learn about Japan and its rich culture with UWF. We offer Japanese-themed activities for all ages in the Pensacola community to experience, learn, and enjoy. If you have any questions or would like to share ideas for a future event, please call 850.474.2479 or email akiko@uwf.edu.

As part of JOI’s initiative to promote learning more about Japan and its lifestyle, culture, and language, UWF’s JOI Coordinator Akiko Yamamoto is experienced in the following lecture topics:

  • Business Culture
  • Cooking
  • Cultural Customs
  • Daily Life in Japan
  • Osaka World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Kansai, Japan
  • Religion
  • School Life in Japan
  • Seasonal Events and Holidays
  • Sightseeing in Japan
  • Traditional Arts and Crafts

For topics not listed, please contact Akiko Yamamoto to request educational lectures and opportunities that are specific to your interests and needs.

Through JOI, UWF and the Pensacola community has a unique opportunity to experience a taste of Japanese culture through cultural activities such as:

  • Language
  • Calligraphy
  • Cooking
  • Origami Paper Folding
  • Chopsticks Challenge
  • Yukata and Furoshiki Wearing (Traditional Garment and Wrapping Cloth)
  • Japanese Children’s Songs
  • Traditional Greeting Cards

Can’t find the activity you had in mind? Please contact Akiko Yamamoto to request for activities specific to your interests and needs.