Every Wednesday at 6:00-8:00PM starting on 3/4/2026

Starting on March 4th, The Language Table will be launching a weekly Japanese language conversation table. Every Wednesday from the 4th onward, the Japanese Table will meet at the Aomori Kitchen + Market in Portland from 6-8PM for open conversation entirely in Japanese. The tables are free to attend, and all conversational skill levels are welcome! No RSVP required.

Friends of Aomori is a Maine-based nonprofit volunteer organization dedicated to fostering the sister-state relationship between Maine and Aomori Prefecture, Japan. Established in 1994, Friends of Aomori facilitates educational, cultural, and business exchanges, including school partnerships, and art programs. Join members of Friends of Aomori to learn more about upcoming initiatives and events and how you can be involved!

Sign up here

Selections from last year’s Hashi exchange - an annual Japanese block print exchange between elementary school-aged artists in Maine and Aomori - will be on display at the Portland Public Library Community Gallery from April 9 - June 24.

On Friday, May 1, a small sakura (cherry blossom) festival will take place in front of the Portland City Hall at 4:30pm, followed by a First Friday reception at the Library. The celebration will feature a performance by Taiko Maine Dojo, along with remarks from Mayor Dion of the City of Portland and Consul Takahashi from the Consulate General of Japan in Boston.

8/23 Sunday 1 PM game

Japan Day is back at Hadlock Field with the Portland Sea Dogs on Aug 23rd, 1pm game! We’ll share more details in upcoming newsletters, but for now, mark your calendars and get ready to celebrate Maine - Japan connections while cheering on our beloved baseball team.