Global Gatherings: Japan Brought Culture, Creativity, and Community to Gathering Place
Global Gatherings: Japan transformed Gathering Place into a vibrant celebration of Japanese culture, welcoming families and cultural explorers for an afternoon filled with art, performance, and hands-on discovery. Guests immersed themselves in a cultural experience that blended centuries‑old traditions with the energy of contemporary pop culture.
Inside the TGA Booth: Origami, Geography, and Global Connections
Our Tulsa-Utsunomiya Sister City Partnership booth buzzed with activity all afternoon as visitors folded origami Pikachus, engaged in geography lessons in exchange for global gifts, and explored artifacts and tourist information from Utsunomiya! Our Tulsa-Utsunomiya committee volunteers shared stories about Utsunomiya’s culture, highlighted tourist attractions, and introduced guests to some of TGA’s programs, including the annual youth exchange with Utsunomiya.
The booth became a hub for curiosity and conversation, embodying the spirit of cross‑cultural friendship that defines Global Gatherings.
Utsunomiya Chair Phil Sharp, along with volunteers Matthew McCulloch, Alicia Perry, and Diane Perry, helped bring the event to life through conversations, crafts, and hands-on learning.
Community Partnerships Made It Possible
Gathering Place’s Global Gatherings: Japan was made possible through the collaboration of several cultural and international organizations, including Tulsa Global Alliance, Oklahoma Society for Culture Appreciation, Tulsa’s Asian Affairs Commission, the Japanese Friendship Club, Oklahoma Mahjong, and more! Our shared mission was to connect Tulsa audiences with the rich artistic and cultural heritage of Japan.
The Following Images Are Courtesy of Gathering Place:
