Knoxville, Tenn. — The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, will welcome back one of its most spirited alumni this month as Yoshitoshi “Yoshi” Momoki (’93) will travel from Japan to Rocky Top for a week of festivities on and off campus, including serving as an honored guest at the Knoxville Asian Festival.
Momoki, entrepreneur and internationally recognized advocate for cultural exchange between Japan and the State of Tennessee, earned his bachelor’s degree in Broadcasting from the University of Tennessee in 1993, an experience he frequently describes as one of the most transformative periods of his life.
Following a successful career in marketing and communications in Japan, Yoshi spent nearly five years developing a vision that combined his love for Tennessee with his passion for international friendship. On February 14th, 2024, he opened the Good Ole Tennessee Bar in Tokyo, the first establishment of its kind dedicated entirely to celebrating the culture, traditions, music, food, and hospitality of Tennessee.
Today, Yoshi serves as an unofficial cultural ambassador, introducing thousands of Japanese visitors to Tennessee while welcoming Tennesseans with a familiar taste of home nearly 7,000 miles away. Through social media, international alumni engagement, and his personal hospitality, he has helped strengthen relationships between Japan and Tennessee while showcasing the University’s global impact.
Events include:
“Kanpai” on Rocky Top at Maker Exchange
The public is invited to join Yoshi from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 3, at the Tavern at Maker Exchange inside the Mariott Knoxville Downtown (525 Henley St, Knoxville, TN 37902) for an evening filled with Tennessee spirit, great food and drinks, live music, and a Vol Shop pop-up featuring exclusive Good Ole Tennessee Bar x University of Tennessee merchandise you won’t want to miss.
Friends of the International House Reception and Birthday Brunch
Alumni are invited to kick off the gameday weekend with a “coffeehouse” style brunch reception from 9-11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 4, at the International House (1623 Melrose Ave, Knoxville, TN 37996). We will welcome alumni back to campus while celebrating I-House’s 30th year on Melrose Avenue — 57 years total at UT!
RSVP for the Friends of the International House Reception and Birthday Brunch.
Alumni & Community Celebration at Yee-Haw
Join the Office of Alumni Relations from 5:00-7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4, at Yee-Haw Brewing (745 N Broadway, Knoxville, TN 37917) as we celebrate the return of Yoshi to Rocky Top! Reconnect with fellow alumni, friends, and community members for an evening of live music, great company, and celebration.