Iowa” story on our website, KCCI dot com and on the mobile app. Tomorrow… áJapan America Society of Iowaá is hosting its annual Sake and Cultural Tasting Event. Board Director Michelle Yoshimura Smith says this event blends tradition in a way you don’t often see here. The event takes place from six-30 to nine-30 PM at the West End Salvage in downtown Des Moines. Ticketed guests will experience interactive art, cultural cuisine and live music performances. VIP options are also available with premium food and drink menu. Guests also have a chan
From taiko to wagyu, Des Moines to celebrate Japanese culture Friday
Updated: 10:03 PM CST Nov 20, 2025
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The Japan America Society of Iowa (JASI) is hosting its annual “Sake- The Way of Japanese Arts” event Friday, Nov. 21, from 6:30-9:30 p.m., at the West End Salvage venue in Downtown Des Moines. This year’s theme, “Dō — The Way of Japanese Arts,” unites Japan’s rich traditions in an unparalleled regional experience, fusing cultural and culinary heritage.Guests can indulge in 10-20 premium sake varieties from across Japan and six izakaya-style food stations. For those seeking a more elevated evening, VIP ticket holders will have access to the venue one hour prior to reserved seating, a tasting menu including Hokkaido scallops and an exclusive wagyu beef tasting flight, and handpicked sake and cocktails perfectly paired with other premium menu items. General admission includes feature displays for Japanese art, including flower arranging, calligraphy, and kimono presentations, along with a special performance from world-champion Japanese taiko drummer, Takumi Kato. You can visit the Japanese American Society of Iowa website for more information on their history, events, and ways to support their non-profit organization.
DES MOINES, Iowa —
The Japan America Society of Iowa (JASI) is hosting its annual “Sake- The Way of Japanese Arts” event Friday, Nov. 21, from 6:30-9:30 p.m., at the West End Salvage venue in Downtown Des Moines.
This year’s theme, “Dō — The Way of Japanese Arts,” unites Japan’s rich traditions in an unparalleled regional experience, fusing cultural and culinary heritage.
Guests can indulge in 10-20 premium sake varieties from across Japan and six izakaya-style food stations.
For those seeking a more elevated evening, VIP ticket holders will have access to the venue one hour prior to reserved seating, a tasting menu including Hokkaido scallops and an exclusive wagyu beef tasting flight, and handpicked sake and cocktails perfectly paired with other premium menu items.
General admission includes feature displays for Japanese art, including flower arranging, calligraphy, and kimono presentations, along with a special performance from world-champion Japanese taiko drummer, Takumi Kato.
You can visit the Japanese American Society of Iowa website for more information on their history, events, and ways to support their non-profit organization.
AloJapan.com