UNIQUE Connections
Japanese Cultural Center and Tea House
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Tea House is at the center of the picture. |
Since 1961, the cities of Tokushima, Japan and Saginaw, Michigan have enjoyed a very rich and active sister-city relationship. The fifty-year sisterhood originated with a young Japanese exchange-student from Tokushima who, during semester breaks from Michigan State University, home-stayed on a farm in Saginaw.
A Friendship Garden was constructed in 1970 as a tribute to the good will between the two cities. Funds for the project were raised by the Saginaw Chapter of People to People and matched by the City of Saginaw. Much of the labor to construct the Garden was donated by labor unions, students and individuals.
In 1978, Saginaw's City Council deeded a piece of property adjacent the Garden to the City of Tokushima, as a gift of friendship. This marked the beginning of the long planning and fund raising process to build an authentic cultural center and tea house.
Designed by Japanese architect Tsutomu Takenaka, the sukiya style building was constructed in 1985-86 and financed by donations of citizens from Saginaw and Tokushima. The building rests partially on American soil and partially on land deeded to Tokushima. Japanese and American craftsmen worked side by side to build the Center. Workmen in Saginaw constructed the building's foundation, exterior and roof. Most of the interior construction, which required special joinery and Japanese carpentry methods, was completed by Japanese craftsmen. The walls of the tea house are made from a special mud plaster; fine grain Japanese woods are left untreated. All materials used throughout the structure, including granite, cedar roof shakes, floor tiles and the authentic tatami floor mat covering in the tea ceremony room, are of the highest quality.
Awa Saginaw An was dedicated and opened to the public on May 21, 1986. "Awa" is the ancient name of Tokushima. "An" is Japanese for "primitive hut," a place in which the first simple tea ceremonies were conducted by Japanese monks. Other tea houses have been built in different locations of the world, but to our knowledge, this is the first time two international cities have collaborated in a unique effort to increase understanding and goodwill between their citizens.
Cultural events are offered throughout the year including a Japanese Festival co-hosted by the Consulate General of Japan in Detroit. More information of the activities, hours and location may be found on their website: http://www.japaneseculturalcenter.org.
- Content provided by Saginaw Japanese Cultural Center and Tea House