A MESSAGE
FROM THE PRESIDENT & BOARD CHAIR
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Grant Ogata President
JAS-DFW Signature Here
Lawrence
Board Chair
P. Howorth
JAS-DFW Signature Here
A BOLD NEW LOOK.
THE SAME POWERFUL MISSION.
Japan America Society’s newly launched, mobile-friendly website makes it easier than ever to explore programs, events, and membership opportunities—all within a streamlined, modern experience. Discover how the refreshed platform highlights our growing network, expanded partnerships, and the dynamic momentum driving U.S.–Japan relations across North Texas.
OUR NEW SITE
2026 SUN & STAR 28TH ANNUAL LEGACY AWARDS GALA
April 15, 2026 | 5:30 - 9:30pm
The Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth (JASDFW) will mark a milestone this year with its 28th Annual Sun & Star Legacy Gala — a hallmark celebration of the enduring partnership between Japan and Texas. Bringing together leaders from business, government, and culture, the evening honors decades of collaboration while reinforcing a shared commitment to a global future.
This year’s gala, the largest in its history, will present the 2026 Sun & Star Legacy Award to Governor Greg Abbott in recognition of his leadership in strengthening economic ties between Japan and Texas. The Bridges to Friendship Award will also be presented to Amy Hofland, Director of the Crow Museum of Asian Art, for her role in fostering meaningful cross-cultural connections within the local community.
SPONSORSHIPS
SPECIAL GUEST OF HONOR AND SUN & STAR LEGACY AWARD RECIPIENT:
Governor Greg Abbott
HONORARY AWARD
PRESENTER: Tetsuo “Ted” Ogawa
President and Chief Executive Officer of Toyota Motor North America (TMNA)
SUN & STAR BRIDGES TO FRIENDSHIP AWARD RECIPIENT: Amy Lewis Hofland
Director, Crow Museum of Asian Art of the University of Texas at Dallas
A NEW YEAR TRADITION
Connecting North Texas and Japan
The 2026 Mochitsuki New Year’s Celebration at the Edith and Peter O’Donnell Jr. Athenaeum brought the Dallas–Fort Worth community together to welcome the New Year with a beloved Japanese tradition of pounding and sharing fresh mochi. Attendees enjoyed live mochitsuki demonstrations, cultural activities like calligraphy and traditional games, and performances, all celebrating health, happiness, and community in a festive, family-friendly setting. VIEW PHOTOS
BUSINESS OUTLOOK 2026
Brings Global Insight to Dallas
On February 12, in partnership with The Bonadio Group, we hosted a sold-out Business Outlook 2026 event convening senior leaders from finance, real estate, and advisory firms. Experts from MUFG, Taisei Corporation USA, and The Bonadio Group delivered strategic insights on the 2026 U.S. economic forecast, Japanese real estate and overseas investment trends, and key considerations for launching and expanding businesses in the U.S., including tax, tariff, and M&A factors.
YOUR JAPANESE JOURNEY STARTS HERE
Our Japanese Language Program at JASDFW can help support you on your Japanese language journey. Our Zoom-based courses—designed for learners ages 16 and above—offers a variety of classes and workshops aimed at helping learners strengthen their foundation in Japanese or explore specific topics of interest. We’re here to make learning Japanese enjoyable and rewarding, and we can’t wait to see you in class! Please contact ikuko@jasdfw.org for any questions.
Japan Currents 2026 brought nearly 100 business leaders, policymakers, scholars, and community members to SMU for a dynamic dialogue on innovation, urbanization, and globalization shaping the U.S.–Japan relationship. Headlined by Nikkei’s Mikio Sugeno and followed by an expert panel spanning automotive R&D, technology strategy, geopolitics, and enterprise systems, the program connected policy insight with real-world business strategy. Beyond the stage, the event reinforced North Texas’ growing role as a hub for cross-Pacific collaboration and forward-looking global engagement.
Japan Currents 2026: DRIVING INNOVATION AND GROWTH in the U.S.–Japan Partnership
LIMITED CABINS EXCLUSIVE PERKS
One Unforgettable Journey to Japan
Explore Japan through a 15-day luxury voyage featuring curated ports, cultural immersion, and upscale amenities — all at an exceptional value when you book through JASDFW. Enjoy a 5% discount, complimentary language workshops, and a one-year membership included with your reservation. Space is limited on this exclusive partnership experience — reserve before cabins are gone. BOOK NOW
TOP BENEFACTORS
Book Your Data
Batton.co.ltd
BEAM Technologies Inc.
Cinter Technology
CMC Productions USA Inc.
Dallas College
Elephantech Inc.
ELIONIX Inc.
Export Development Canada
First Class Imports
Fuji Graphite Works Co.,Ltd
Gephyro Consulting
Hioki USA Corporation
HOSHIKAWA K.K.
Japan Graphics
JETRO – Houston
Kinish, Inc.
Marsh
Mathmaji Co., Ltd.
Mitsubishi International Corporation
Mitsui Bussan Aerospace Corporation
Mitsui Sumitomo Marine Management (U.S.A.), Inc.
Mohr Partners, Inc.
MUSE
Ohashi & Horn LLP
One Act, Inc.
Quick USA, Inc.
RICOS Co. Ltd.
Riveron SandBox Inc.
SCSK USA Inc.
SMU Tower Center for Public Policy and International Affairs
SUN Co., Ltd
SYSTEM BRAIN CO.,LTD.
TechMagic, Inc.
Technologent
Terralogic
TexasBank
TG Financial LLC
Time World Co. Ltd.
Tokio Marine America
Tokyo Shokudo
Toyota Tsusho
Yamagata Foundation
Yamaguchi Heavy Ind. Ltd.
Yamato Gokin., Ltd.
Zenmu Consulting LLC