Yoshi Momoki, an alumnus of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, celebrated Valentine’s Day by opening a Tennessee-themed bar in his hometown of Tokyo, Japan. Inspired by his experiences in Tennessee and the warmth of Southern hospitality, Momoki hopes to foster people-to-people connections through this unique venue, which reflects his cherished memories of the Volunteer State.
The Good Ole Tennessee Bar is a one-of-a-kind bar that brings a slice of Tennessee to the vibrant city of Tokyo. Whether it is Tennessee whiskey displayed on the shelves or Vols sports game replays on the television, every corner of the Good Ole Tennessee Bar is adorned with Tennessee-themed decor, delivering customers an authentic Southern ambiance without having to leave Japan. Opened on February 14, 2024, by Yoshi Momoki, a 1993 graduate of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, this bar is a heartfelt tribute to the owner’s beloved state. “I opened this place to exchange good memories,” Momoki shared, explaining his desire to create a welcoming space where customers can immerse themselves in Tennessee’s culture.
However, exchanging good memories wasn’t the sole motivation behind Momoki’s decision to open this bar. He observed that many Japanese are unaware of Tennessee despite the strong economic ties between the two regions. This realization inspired him to promote a stronger local connection to Tennessee and showcase the state’s rich culture. “I want to change the status quo. That’s another reason why I decided to open the Tennessee-themed bar,” Momoki explained. After five years of hard work, his dream became a reality, with the Good Ole Tennessee Bar’s neon sign now shining brightly on the streets of Tokyo.
Momoki envisions a busy future for the Good Ole Tennessee Bar and expresses his hopes to expand it into a bar and grill, where customers can enjoy a wider variety of Southern cuisine while live country music plays. By serving chili-cheese dogs and Honky-tonk chili cheese fries, Momoki believes that greater exposure to Tennessee’s traditions will encourage the Japanese public to develop a deeper appreciation for the state’s culture. “Even though the economic ties [between Tennessee and Japan] are very strong, people don’t know about them, so they don’t appreciate the state of Tennessee. I want more people to take an interest in it,” Momoki explained. He aims to maximize this strong connection between the two regions by familiarizing people with Tennessee culture, hoping that such relationship would bring around an increase in grassroots-level relations.
Developing Tennessee-Japan relations has always been Momoki’s passion, demonstrated by his active involvement in the Japanese community during his time in Tennessee. Appointed as the official alumni area representative for Tokyo in 2019, Momoki has been able to make a direct impact by coordinating an international alumni reunion and emphasizing the mutual significance of Japan and the United States. “Many Japanese people, including me, love many aspects of American culture—fashion, food, music, and nature, and I want to become a bridge between Japan and Tennessee,” Momoki stated, expressing his determination to enhance this already robust economic relationship.
The Good Ole Tennessee Bar stands out as a remarkable step in fostering people-to-people connections between Tennessee and Japan. Through his bar, Momoki educates the Japanese people about Tennessee’s culture while offering a cozy retreat for anyone craving a taste of the Southern United States in Tokyo. His deep appreciation for the US-Japan relationship shines through this unique establishment to strengthen the cultural bonds between the two regions in a personal and impactful way.
Tennessee-Japan Economic Relationship
Japan and Tennessee have a longstanding friendship since the late 1970s, beginning with Sharp Electronics’ pioneering move to establish its first overseas manufacturing facility in Memphis. Today, Tennessee has become a pivotal investment hub for leading Japanese companies, serving as a vital bridge that strengthens US-Japan relations, particularly in the automotive industry. Notable Japanese automakers and auto suppliers such as Nissan North America, Mitsubishi, Bridgestone, Kasai North America, and OTICS, have expanded their operations by setting up plants and headquarters. Ranging from large corporations to smaller enterprises, Japanese companies have eagerly established their footprints across the state. Their robust presence is evident in all 206 business establishments in Tennessee, which not only enhances local economies, but also iconic landmarks, such as the Bridgestone Arena and the Nissan Stadium in Nashville.
As seen on this heat map, more than half of Tennessee’s 95 counties are home to Japan-owned establishments, which generate over 50,000 jobs. These companies have invested $21 billion in Tennessee as of May 2024, securing Japan’s position as a top contributor to the state’s economic growth. Japan dominates Tennessee’s Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) landscape, contributing more than double the amount of the second-largest foreign investor, Germany, which invested around $7 million as of March 2024. Additionally, Tennessee exports over $2 billion in goods and services to Japan, accounting for 5% of the state’s total exports. This economic interdependence sets the stage for further collaborations and growth across various sectors between the two regions.
Tennessee-Japan Cultural Ties
Beyond economic exchange, Japan and Tennessee also share strong diplomatic and cultural ties, with three US ambassadors to Japan being Tennessee natives: Luke Wright (1906-1907), Howard Baker (2001-2005), and Bill Hagerty (2017-2019). Their tenures shaped the Tennessee-Japan alliance by reinforcing Tennessee’s strategic importance to Japan through economic, cultural, and educational collaborations. These contributions have ensured that the ties between Tennessee and Japan remain firm and multifaceted.
In 2005, to better support the growing Japanese community in the region, the Japanese government relocated its Consulate-General office from New Orleans, Louisiana to Nashville, Tennessee. Complimenting this effort, the Japan-America Society of Tennessee (JAST) further supports this community through numerous cultural events. One of the outstanding initiatives is the Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival, launched in 2009 through a collaboration between JAST and the Consulate-General of Nashville. Held each spring, this festival draws thousands of attendees who come to appreciate the beauty of the pink cherry blossoms, learn about Japanese culture, and celebrate the strong ties between Tennessee and Japan. This event not only highlights the cultural bonds but also strengthens the mutual respect and appreciation between the Tennessean and Japanese communities, fostering a deeper understanding and connection.
The author would like to thank the owner of Good Ole Tennessee Bar, Yoshi Momoki, for agreeing to do an interview with her and being a valuable resource for this article.
Aom Boonphatthanasoonthorn is a Summer 2024 Young Professional at the East-West Center in Washington. She is pursuing a master’s degree in public policy with a national security certificate at the Howard H. Baker Jr. School of Public Policy and Public Affairs at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville