NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — It's the tenth year of a special celebration of Japanese culture at Cheekwood Estate and Gardens.
Held Sunday, September 15 from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Otsukimi — the Japanese Moon Viewing Festival — is Cheekwood's annual celebration of Japanese art, gardens and culture. It happens near the date of the Harvest Moon in partnership with the Consulate-General of Japan and Japan American Society of Tennessee.
Tea ceremony
5:00, 7:00 and 8:00 p.m. on the Arboretum Lawn — experience the preparation, presentation and taste of green tea. You get to watch the tea master prepare it and then sample the final product. After 7:00 p.m., there will be a kendama demonstration with a wodden skill toy from Japan played around the world.
Music
Nashville Taiko, 5:30 p.m. at Arboretum Lawn — For the first time, this includes percussion, choreography and music. Taiko means any kind of drum in Japanese.
Choir SAKURA, 6:00 p.m. at Arboretum Lawn — This group sings popular Japanese songs from movies and anime, and has been around since 2008.
Shamisen Knoxville, 7:30 p.m. at Arboretum Lawn — This is a traditional three string instrument, part of Japan since the 16th century. A group from UT-Knoxville and across the community will play it.
There's lots more to do at this festival, including a haiku contest, mochi pounding, and art. If you want to purchase tickets or learn more information about the festival, just visit Cheekwood's website.
Here’s a beautiful story of how one mother turned her grief journey into a gathering of gratitude… and organ donation awareness.
Robb Coles highlights a special event organized by Cari Hollis – whose 26-year old son Austin died two years ago. Austin agreed to be an organ donor – and that single gesture saved multiple lives.
Cari reached out to as many recipients she could find – several of whom traveled to Nashville for an emotional celebration in Austin’s honor. One woman – whose life was saved by receiving Austin’s lungs – put it simply: “He’s my angel”.
- Rhori Johnston
