Mayor Chuck Bennett and Takashi Teraoka, consul general for Japan in Oregon, attend the opening of the “Windows to Japan” exhibit on Wednesday, March 4, at the World Beat Gallery. (Mary Louise VanNatta/Special to Salem Reporter)

The World Beat Gallery recently celebrated the opening of a new exhibit, “Windows to Japan: A Glimpse Into Japanese Culture” and the first anniversary of providing exhibits in the gallery’s new space in Pringle Park Plaza.

This exhibit is an exploration of Japanese culture through its music, clothing, traditions, food, and more.

 Mayor Chuck Bennett opened the celebration on March 4 and welcomed the honorable Takashi Teraoka, Japan consul general from Portland. The consul general praised Salem and said the exhibit demonstrates a milestone between the relations of Japan and the U.S.. He added he would be retiring after 40 years as consul general and looked forward to returning to Salem as a tourist.

Hiroshi Takahashi , president of Tokyo International University of America, visited with Graham Morris from the Japan-America Society of Oregon.  

Barbie Dressler and Tomoko Harpster from the university also attended. Salem Multicultural Institute’s board president Kathy Andreas greeted guests with her husband Glen Okawa.

Masumi Timson played the koto, a stringed instrument (and also the national instrument of Japan). She is an incredibly accomplished musician who has performed both in the U.S. and Japan. She plays with the popular band, Pink Martini.

After sampling various types of sushi, Japanese candies, and sake, attendees were treated to kitsuke, a traditional dance that demonstrates the art of wearing a kimono.

“Windows to Japan” runs through May 20. During its run, there will be several cultural demonstrations, workshops, and concerts that include bon dance and koto lessons, language classes, storytelling, and teatime as well as flower making.

The gallery has three exhibits per year and is open Monday-Friday. It gives the Salem cultural community a welcoming space to share its heritage. It is located at 390 Liberty St. S.E. in the Pringle Park Plaza. (503-581-2004 or https://www.salemmulticultural.org.

Women perform kitsuke, a traditional dance that demonstrates the art of wearing a kimono, during the opening of the “Windows to Japan” exhibit on Wednesday, March 4, at the World Beat Gallery. (Mary Louise VanNatta/Special to Salem Reporter)

Sushi is served during the opening of the “Windows to Japan” exhibit on Wednesday, March 4, at the World Beat Gallery. (Mary Louise VanNatta/Special to Salem Reporter)

Barbie Dressler and Tomoko Harpster from Tokyo International University of America attend Windows to Japan Gallery Opening. of Tokyo International University of America attend the opening of the “Windows to Japan” exhibit on Wednesday, March 4, at the World Beat Gallery. (Mary Louise VanNatta/Special to Salem Reporter)

Sake and snacks served during the opening of the “Windows to Japan” exhibit on Wednesday, March 4, at the World Beat Gallery. (Mary Louise VanNatta/Special to Salem Reporter)

Graham Morrison, executive director of the Japan-America Society of Oregon, and Hiroshi Takahashi, president of Tokyo International University of America attend the opening of the “Windows to Japan” exhibit on Wednesday, March 4, at the World Beat Gallery. (Mary Louise VanNatta/Special to Salem Reporter)

Masumi Timson plays the koto, a stringed instrument, during the opening of the “Windows to Japan” exhibit on Wednesday, March 4, at the World Beat Gallery. (Mary Louise VanNatta/Special to Salem Reporter)

Mary Louise VanNatta is a Salem public relations professional writing a regular column for Salem Reporter. Tell her about your upcoming event at [email protected] or follow her on Facebook.

By Salem Reporter