Logo and calligraphy by Taisan Tanaka (ShoGaKa), a Wakayama artist who lives in New York.

Who We Are

A lovely friendship between the citizens of the Wakayama Prefecture and the State of Florida has flourished since 1992. The relationship was formalized through a Sister State Agreement in 1995. Thereafter, a number of cultural activities have taken place in both locations, enriching thousands of students, educators, and the public in music education and performance, dance, theatre, and the visual arts. Business interests as well, including tourism, have benefitted from the lively interchanges and increased awareness of traditional Japanese crafts and foods.

Through these decades, the State of Florida has been very closely associated with the summits, cultural exchanges, exhibitions, and educational residencies, workshops, and seminars between the two regions. In particular, the Florida Department of State has been instrumental in these activities, primarily through the Division of Cultural Affairs. Anniversary celebrations of the Sister State Agreement have been supported by the Division and the Prefecture of Wakayama about every five years. Along the way, many people in both Wakayama and Florida have developed an affection and respect for each other, particularly through arts and cultural affinities.

These decades of activity have thus included the participation of state and prefecture government, educational institutions, cultural institutions, teachers, lecturers, performers, individual artists, and private citizens. To perpetuate this relationship, Shigeko Honda gathered a group of like-minded Floridians in 2019 who formed the Florida-Wakayama Cultural Association, Inc., in 2020. In November of that year, the Association established an agreement with the Wakayama-Florida Association of Japan to further share cultural activities. The Florida-Wakayama Cultural Association will continue these activities.

Our Purpose

To promote and facilitate cultural exchange between the State of Florida and the Wakayama Prefecture of Japan through the presentation of the work of artists, educators, students, and the general public.

Our Mission

To further the relationship through cultural and artistic exchanges between the citizens of Florida and Wakayama. The Association promotes the relationship based on trust and respect between the people of Florida and Wakayama and preserves these values for future generations.

Florida and Wakayama Make History Together:

Highlights

2021

The Annual Meeting was held via ZOOM on December 13, 2021. The Board welcomed a number of special guests: Governor and Mrs. Bush, Consul General of Japan Kazuhiro Nakai, Consul Keisuke Saito (Public Relations and Cultural Affairs), Advisor Miwako Patton (Public Relations and Cultural Affairs), and Sandy Shaughnessy, Director of the Division of Arts and Culture, Florida Department of State.

Mrs. Bush has agreed to serve as Honorary Chair and Mr. Nakai will serve as Honorary Advisor.

We also welcomed new Board members: Brenda Stokes, Frank Schidman, Rachel Hendrix, and Kathy Jones

2020

On, November 13, the 25th Anniversary is celebrated on Zoom by the Florida-Wakayama Cultural Association and Wakayama-Florida Association. The two parties exchange the Memorandum of Agreement to sustain the friendship that has been built since 1995.

MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT

At the 25th anniversary of the Sister-State relationship between the State of Florida, U.S.A., and the Prefecture of Wakayama, Japan, the Florida-Wakayama Cultural Association, Inc. of Florida and the Wakayama-Florida Association of Japan agree to further the relationship through cultural and artistic exchanges between the citizens of Florida and Wakayama. The two parties will continue to promote their relationship based on trust and respect between them and preserve these values for future generations

2019

The extraordinary work of Wakayama pottery artist Masayoshi Shimizu is displayed in an elegant exhibition called “Beauty in Use: Celebrating Japanese Cultural Traditions,” January 22 – June 27 at the Lamar Studio, Pensacola State College. A reception is held on January 31 where Mr. Shimizu talks about his studio and his artistic process. Taisan Tanaka, a Wakayama calligraphy artist from New York, gives a lively and dramatic performance of his calligraphy style as he creates an original artwork accompanied by the live traditional music of Taiko drum. (Mr. Tanaka also graciously designed the Florida-Wakayama Cultural Association’s logo.) The program also features remarks by Mrs. Vivian Spencer, Gallery Director of the Pensacola State College, and Dr. Gaylen Phillips, Arts Administrator and founding President of Florida-Wakayama Cultural Association.

“The cultural exchanges between Wakayama and the state of Florida remain one of the most significant parts of the Sister-State Agreement of 1995. Renowned artists from Wakayama have visited Florida to teach and demonstrate their craft, and Florida artists have been able to greatly benefit from these masters and also to travel to Japan for instructions in artists’ studios. This is a precious and valuable relationship. The Florida Department of State Division of Cultural Affairs is honored to be a part of this long history. Tonight, we welcome Master Shimizu, the Master of Fire, back to Florida where he has provided the breathtaking pieces in this exhibition and is currently working with the Gulf Coast Kiln Walk Society. We are in awe of his talent and generosity and we thank him, as we thank all of those individuals and organizations who have made all of this possible.”

— By Dr. Gaylen Phillips (Founding President of the Florida- Wakayama Association)

In February, Mr. Shimizu conducts the Pensacola State College’s pottery classes for two weeks. 

On February 5, Mr. Shimizu gives a PowerPoint presentation on “Pottery: The Flames Speak” at Lamar Studio, Pensacola State College Visual Arts Department. Dr. Edward Meadows, President of the College, expresses appreciation to Mr. Shimizu.

The Gulf Coast Kiln Society invites Mr. Shimizu and arranges his activities in Northwest Florida. After the exhibit, Mr. Shimizu donated all items on the exhibition to the Gulf Coast Kiln Walk Society that organized Mr. Shimizu’s visit to Navarre, Fl.

In December, Ms. Nichole Garcia, a Florida university student, wins Florida’s Japanese Speech Contest and visits Wakayama for a week. The student stays with a host family and a welcome celebration is hosted by the Wakayama Florida Association.

2015

In March, the Sister-State supporters, led by Mrs. Sayoko Tahara (front right), the President of Wakayama-Florida Association, discuss future programs to continue the cultural exchanges between Florida and Wakayama.

In celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the Sister-State agreement, a reception is held in Tallahassee on July 21 which opens an exhibition of Wakayama scenic photographs and pottery works by Masayoshi Shimizu. The event is held in the R.A Gray Building attended by supporters of the sister state. Among the featured speakers are the Honorable Ken Detzner, Secretary of State; Mr. Hiroyuki Tsui, Executive Director, International Cultural Affairs of Wakayama Prefecture; Mrs. Sandy Shaughnessy, Director of the Division of Cultural Affairs State of Florida; Dr. Gaylen Phillips, Division of Cultural Affairs.

In November, the Great Gulf Coast Art Festival features Wakayama abstract artist, Yume Matsuo, as the International Artist. After the Festival, Matsuo visits several local schools for demonstrations.

2013

From April to May, three potters from northwest Florida, Stephen Dark, Jason Stokes, and Waide Oliver, visit Wakayama for a month and work at the studio/kiln of Masayoshi Shimizu, a potter in Wakayama, and make wood-fired pottery. They participate in cultural exchanges with local students and citizens and charitable events and exhibitions. They experience a homestay with local host families.

2011

The Florida Delegation, Southeast U.S./Japan Association holds its 8th Annual Florida-Japan Summit on November 15 at FSU in Tallahassee. The Governor of Wakayama, the Honorable Yoshinobu Nisaka, delivers the keynote speech. Other program speakers included Dr. Judith Bense, President of the University of West Florida; Dr. Dale Brill, Florida Chamber Foundation; and Dr. Gaylen Phillips, Florida Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs.

 2010

Wakayama Delegation Visit Florida: February 6 – 11, 2010

The non-official delegation members visited Florida and made goodwill dialogues with Floridians. The members are:

• Mrs. Sayoko Tahara, CEO, Wakayama Chamber of Commerce Women’s Business Counsel; Principal, Keifu High School in Wakayama

• Mrs. Atsuyo Miyata, owner of Souji-in Temple & Inn at Mt. Koyasan

• Mr. Akihiko Minamide, International Cultural Division of Wakayama prefectural government

• Mr. Noriyuki Suzukawa, International Cultural Division of Wakayama prefectural government

• Miss Chie Miyata (22), student at Koyasan University

• Miss Eri Yamamura (21), student at Kyoto Koka Women’s College

The delegation visited Kennedy Space Center, DeLand Museum, Mission San Luis, Kiln Walk Society, University of West Florida, National Naval Aviation Museum, etc.

2006

In celebration of the 10th Anniversary of the Sister-State Agreement, Governor Jeb Bush welcomes a delegation led by Wakayama’s First Lady Natsuko Kimura. The delegation includes the members of the Wakayama Chamber of Commerce and Industry Women’s Business Council. The delegation, being accompanied by Mrs. Bush, visit sites throughout Florida, including the Everglades National Park, the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce Women’s Business Council, the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, the Mission San Luis, the Governor’s Mansion, and the Japan House at the University of West Florida in Pensacola.

2005

In April, Florida’s First Lady Columba Bush visits Wakayama to participate in the third First Lady’s Youth Arts Recognition Program held in Wakayama-city. The delegation also visits the elementary school affiliated with Wakayama University where the high school students showcase interactive music and performances with the children. The visitors meet with the Wakayama Chamber of Commerce and Industry Businesswomen’s Club, while the high school students participate in artistic exchanges with the local high school students. Before returning to Florida, the delegation visits the World Heritage Koya and Kumano areas.

2004

Dr. Morris Marx, now former president of the University of West Florida, visits Wakayama University with Dr. John Cavaner, the new president of the University.  (Dr. Marx serves as the founding Chair of the Florida-Wakayama Cultural Association.)

Later this year, Miami artist Clara Garcia Mclean, of the Art Center of South Florida, visits Wakayama as the artist-in-residence. Her artworks are exhibited at multiple locations, including the Prefectural Guest House and Wakanoura Art Cube. She enjoys extensive artistic interactions with local students and citizens.

2003

The Florida-Japan Linkage Institute holds its first Florida-Japan Summit at the Morikami Museum in Delray Beach.  Mr. Jun Kinoshita and Ms. Maki Yamashita from the Culture and International Affairs Division of Wakayama  Prefecture participate in the summit.  Speakers include the Honorable Ko Kodaira, Consul General of Consulate General of Japan in Miami, and Dr. Mark Orr, co-director of the Florida-Japan Linkage Institute at the University of South Florida. 

In October, Florida Secretary of State Glenda Hood visits Wakayama with a delegation.

From July to September, “Ken Atelier ONE: Paintings” by artists from Wakayama exhibit at the DeLand Museum of Art. It includes the late Mafune Yamamoto’s calligraphy and paintings by twelve artists from Wakayama.

In August, Governor and Mrs. Yoshiki Kimura, accompanied by a five-person government delegation, visit Florida and attend the second First Lady’s Youth Arts Recognition Program. Two students from the Taiko drum club of the Misato branch school of Taisei High School and a teacher also visit Florida. The visitors from Wakayama are honored at receptions held at the Walt Disney Epcot Center and Deland Museum of Arts, and the drum performance by the students highlights the Program. The students also perform at several high schools in the Orlando area and visit the Kennedy Space Center. 

December introduces Dr. Mary Palmer, Music Professor of the University of Central Florida and Executive Director of the Florida Alliance for Arts Education, to the Education Department of Wakayama University and its affiliated elementary school to explore music education.

2002

In March, the International Exhibition of Florida’s First Lady’s Art Project is presented in the Wakayama Prefecture Citizens’ Culture Hall.

Ten artworks by Florida’s high school students, the winners of the First Lady’s Art Recognition Award, are showcased at the “International Exhibition of Florida’s First Lady’s Arts Recognition Program” held at the Wakayama Prefecture Citizens’ Culture Hall (Kenmin Bunka Kaikan) in Wakayama.  Its reception is attended by the First Ladies Columba Bush and Natsuko Kimura.

 2001

In October, the Miami Beach High School’s Classical Guitar Ensemble group visits Wakayama and performs at Wakayama Prefectural Guest Hall.

2000

The University of West Florida President, Dr. Morris Marx, and Dr. Michael Yots, Director of International Program, visit Wakayama University and sign the Memorandum of Understanding between the two universities.

March brings the exhibition of ten artworks by Wakayama youths that are showcased at the Sister-City Children’s Art Exhibition hosted by Japan Week 2000 in Miami Beach. 

In October, in celebration of the 5th Anniversary of the Sister-State Agreement, a magnificent exhibit of 40 Noh masks by Master Carver Hakuzan Kubo are sent to Florida for rotating exhibits between October 2000 – March 2001. “The Face of Drama: Contemporary Noh Masks” is hosted by art institutions in Delray Beach, Tampa, Tallahassee, Pensacola, and Coral Gables. Florida Secretary of State Katherine Harris attends the opening reception of the exhibition held at the Morikami Museum in Delray Beach.

Hakuzan Kobo, who is also the head of the Noh Mask Cultural Association, travels to Florida to give lectures alongside the exhibits in Pensacola and Tallahassee. Live performances by Noh dancer Matsui Akira and flutist Richard Emmert are featured at various locations including Pensacola and Tallahassee.

In November, the ten artworks by Wakayama youths are also showcased at the Sister-City Children’s Arts Section of the Great Gulf Coast Art Festival in Pensacola.

The Wakayama International Exchange Association sponsors an Experience Florida tour to commemorate the 5th anniversary of the sister-state ties.

1999

In August, Mr. Bill Pfeiffer, Assistant Secretary of State, Dr. Gaylen Phillips of the Florida Department of State Division of Cultural Affairs, Ms. Shigeko Honda from the University of West Florida, and the Howard W. Blake High School Jazz Combo visit Wakayama to participate in the Experience Nanki Kumano Exposition (Nanki-Kumano Taiken Haku) held in southern Wakayama. The Jazz Combo performs at the Exposition, Wakayama city, and local schools.

1998

The International Affairs Division of Wakayama Prefectural Government sends fifteen Yuzaki Lion Dancers to perform the Lion Dance (Shishi-mai) in Pensacola, Panama City Beach, and Miami.

1997

Members of the Wakayama Agriculture Pension Association go on an agricultural tour of Florida; later this year, nine students from the Wakayama Prefecture Youth Agriculture Study Abroad Program also visit for a statewide tour.

Wakayama Prefecture begins to send staff to the University of West Florida for Staff Development Program for a month each year.   Five staff, headed by Ms. Maki Yamashita, participates in the Program for the following five years.  

In October, Florida Secretary of State Sandra Mortham visits Wakayama with a delegation.

 1996

Florida International Affairs Commission Vice Chairman Charles Ranson visits the opening of the World Tourism Forum in Tanabe City and Shiraharna Town. Tallahassee singer Del Suggs performs at the opening of the forum at Kinan Culture Hall.

 1995

In October, Wakayama Prefecture and the State of Florida sign the Sister State Agreement at the Wakayama Prefecture Government Office.

 1994

Florida state government officials attend the opening of the World Resort Expo in Wakayama Prefecture.

1993

Florida Governor Lawton Chiles and Mr. Nakanishi, Director General of Wakayama Prefecture Governor’s Office, meet in Osaka.

1992

Officials from the Wakayama Prefecture International Exchange Association visit the State of Florida office in Tokyo.