Learning more about Japanese culture in Burlington

BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - For the first time since the pandemic, the Japan-America Society of Vermont was able to invite the public to celebrate Japanese culture.

The Tuttle Middle School served as the host of the Japanese festival over the weekend. It’s a chance for the Japanese community to gather together to appreciate and share their culture. The Japan Council came up from Boston to help organize the event. The Japanese-American Society usually has two of these gatherings each year. The goal is to educate Vermonters about Japan’s traditions and teachings.

“I am mixed so it’s a little hard to feel like I belong anywhere. It’s nice when I belong everywhere, I guess. Just to see Japanese culture in such an American society is so surprising to me, but it was a nice surprise,” said Neyu Higuchi Crowell.

Among the Japanese traditions, always bow when greeting, remove shoes entering a home, and tipping is often frowned upon.

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