SUMMER 2026
Otsukimi Japanese Moon Viewing Festival
Inaugural Digital Magazine
September 26th
Summer Winds Down, and Fall Begins ダラス・フォートワース日米協会
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR Dear Friends,
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our Japanese Language Program, which continues to open doors to deeper cultural connection.
The ties between Japan and North Texas have never been stronger. With each passing year, our communities grow closer, and I am confident that the best of our partnership is yet to come.
I invite you to enjoy this publication, to engage with our programs, and to continue walking alongside us as we strengthen the bonds between Japanese and Americans here in North Texas.
n behalf of the Board of Directors, it is my pleasure to welcome you to this edition of our magazine. I have recently accepted the role as Chairman, and I want to begin by expressing my gratitude and thanks to our former Chairman Lawrence Howorth. We have all benefitted from his leadership of the Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth.
This magazine is a celebration of the rich tapestry that connects Japanese and Americans in our Dallas/Fort Worth community. Within these pages, you will find recaps of our landmark events, details on upcoming events such as our Otsukimi celebration and other community gatherings, and a spotlight on NEC, one of our very valued supporters. You will be introduced to two of our newest board members and a new member of our staff. We are also thrilled to highlight 2 | Sun & Star
None of this would be possible without the generous support of our sponsors and supporters. Your contributions of time, resources, and passion fuel everything we do. To each of you, I offer my sincere and heartfelt thank you. Your commitment to crosscultural understanding makes a lasting difference in the lives of so many.
With warm regards,
ダスティン・T・ジョンソン Dustin T. Johnson Chairman of the Board Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth
Dustin.Johnson@haynesboone.com
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
I
would like to share several noteworthy observations about the evolving relationship between Japan and the United States. According to the latest Gallup poll, Japan is now viewed as America’s most favored foreign nation, with 85% of Americans expressing a positive opinion of the country. Japan’s importance to the United States extends far beyond trade. As the largest source of foreign direct investment in the United States for seven consecutive years, Japan has helped create millions of American jobs and remains one of America’s most important economic partners. Japan has also emerged as a leading advocate for international trade agreements throughout the Indo-Pacific region and continues to be an indispensable ally in advancing regional and global security. Cooperation between the two nations continues to deepen across a broad range of strategic sectors. Joint initiatives include 13 U.S.-Japan projects focused on the development of rare earth materials, collaboration on next-generation energy technologies such as small modular nuclear reactors and hydrogen power, and an expanding energy relationship in which the United States has become a critical supplier of energy resources to Japan. The strength of the U.S.-Japan partnership continues to drive economic growth, technological innovation, energy security, and regional stability. Beyond these strategic and economic ties, Japan has earned worldwide admiration for its rich culture and extraordinary influence in entertainment, cuisine, Anime and video games. Iconic franchises such as Pikachu and Pokémon, Hello Kitty, Super Mario, Naruto, Gundam, Godzilla, and Studio Ghibli have become global cultural phenomena, demonstrating Japan’s remarkable soft power and enduring international appeal. For many younger Americans, these characters and brands are more than entertainment; they are an integral part of growing up. Entire generations have been raised with Japanese gaming platforms such as Nintendo and Sony PlayStation, while Anime has become one of the most popular forms of
entertainment among Gen Z audiences. Japan’s cultural influence on younger generations around the world is unparalleled, making it one of the most successful exporters of entertainment and creative content in history. While Japan no longer dominates as a leader in consumer electronics and semiconductors, it has successfully expanded its influence through intellectual property, digital entertainment, gaming, animation, and character-driven brands. Today, Japan stands as one of the world’s foremost creators of content and cultural experiences that resonate with younger generations worldwide. In this edition of Sun & Star, you will learn about NEC, one of Japan’s oldest and most respected technology companies, whose longtime U.S. headquarters is based in North Texas. NEC has successfully evolved from a telecommunications hardware manufacturer into a global leader in software and digital solutions, deploying advanced technologies for airports, enterprises, public safety organizations, and governments worldwide. You will also meet two of our newest board members, Anime expert, Adam Zehner and Yuko Kitamura, whose diverse backgrounds and experience bring valuable perspectives to our organization. Lastly, be sure to read about our exciting Otsukimi Moon Viewing Festival on September 26 as we celebrate the beauty of the autumn moon and the rich cultural traditions of Japan.
緒方グラント寛 Grant Hiroshi Ogata
President Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth grant.ogata@jasdfw.org
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WHAT’S INSIDE this Issue
Message from the Chair and President..........................................2 Sun & Star Legacy Awards Gala........................................................5 56th Annual Meeting & Social..........................................................7 Thank You for Supporting Team Japan............................................9 Sendai International Half Marathon 2026...................................10 Otsukimi Japanese Moon Viewing Festival.................................12 In Memory...........................................................................................13 Member Spotlight: NEC...................................................................14 New Board Members Spotlight......................................................16 Upcoming Events...............................................................................18 From Handwritten to Digital...........................................................20 Help Preserve the Stories of Asian American Communities....21 New Staff & Title Change Announcement...................................22 Our Approach to Japanese Language Learning..........................24 Readers Survey..................................................................................25
SUN & STAR LEGACY AWARDS GALA April 15, 2026
The 2026 Sun & Star Legacy Award Gala brought together an exceptional gathering of business, civic, cultural, and community leaders at the Irving Convention Center to celebrate the enduring partnership between Japan and Texas. The signature event highlighted the strong relationships that continue to drive investment, innovation, international collaboration, and a shared appreciation for Japanese culture, art, and cuisine throughout North Texas. This year’s Legacy Awards honored Governor Greg Abbott for his leadership in strengthening economic and business ties between Japan and
Texas, and Amy Hofland for more than two decades of dedication to introducing and promoting Japanese art and culture across North Texas communities. With approximately 600 attendees, the gala marked the largest gathering in the event’s 28-year history. The evening featured remarks from Honorary Host Rick Stopfer, Mayor of Irving; Takeshi Koyama, Consul General of Japan in Houston; Dr. Emily Knight, President and CEO of the Texas Restaurant Association; and Ted Ogawa, President and CEO of Toyota Motor North America. Governor Abbott expressed his appreciation for the longstanding partnership and friendship between Texas and Japan, recognizing the significant contributions of Japanese businesses and investments throughout the state. Amy Hofland concluded the program with inspiring reflections on the impact of Japanese art and craftsmanship shared with Dallas-Fort Worth communities over the years. Distinguished guests included four mayors from across the DFW region, city council members, consul generals, senior executives from leading corporations, leaders from cultural, arts, and educational (continued on next page)
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institutions, and restaurant industry executives who recognized Governor Abbott’s steadfast support of the hospitality sector during the COVID-19 pandemic. The evening celebrated the extraordinary economic and cultural partnership between Japan and Texas, highlighting Japan’s position as the state’s largest source of foreign direct investment and Texas’ distinction as the leading U.S. destination for Japanese companies. As the largest gala in its 28-year history, the event served as a powerful testament to the enduring strength of the Japan-Texas relationship and further cemented the Sun & Star Legacy Award Gala as North Texas’ premier gathering of business, civic, cultural, and community leaders.
56TH ANNUAL MEETING & SOCIAL June 19, 2026
JASDFW celebrated a record-breaking fiscal year at its 56th Annual Meeting and Social on June 19, 2026, reflecting on four highly successful signature events, while also marking a leadership transition with the installation of a new Board Chair and the introduction of several new members to the Board of Directors. The organization proudly welcomed Dustin Johnson, Partner in the Intellectual Property Group at Haynes and Boone, LLP, as the new Chair of the Board. JASDFW also announced the following new members of the Board of Directors:
• Yuko Kitamura, Director of Supply Chain Logistics, Hitachi High-Tech America, and President of Japanese Career Women (JCW) • Takeshi Yamagishi, Senior Business Development, Quick USA, Inc. • Adam Zehner, Senior Vice President of Global Acquisitions and Global Content Planning, Crunchyroll, a division of Sony Corporation JASDFW also recognized the contributions of the outgoing Board members whose terms have concluded. The organization extends its sincere gratitude for their dedicated service and significant contributions: • Doug McDonald, Assistant City Manager, City of Plano
• Daizo Miyajima, Japanese Vice Chair, Director, Panasonic Energy Sales Company of America
• Yoichiro Suzuki, Senior Vice President of Corporate Collaboration, NTT DATA Services
• Meelis Anton, International Business Manager, Plano Economic Development Corporation
• Kazunari Sakamoto, Group General Manager, Toyota Tsusho America, Inc., who will continue to serve as Immediate Past First Vice Chair and Honorary Regular Director
• Akifumi Nagatani, General Manager, Network Services, Cloud and Security Division, NTT DATA, Inc.
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local governments, transportation agencies, security partners, event organizers, training facilities, and numerous community stakeholders to successfully host the tournament.
The evening’s featured program included presentations from Monica Paul, Executive Director of the Dallas Sports Commission and President of the North Texas FIFA World Cup 2026 Organizing Committee, and Fumie Suguri, a two-time Olympian and fivetime Japanese National Figure Skating Champion. Monica Paul shared insights into the extensive planning and collaboration required to bring nine FIFA World Cup 2026 matches to Dallas, more than any other host city. Among those matches were two featuring Japan’s national team, the Samurai Blue. She discussed the years of preparation involved and the coordination required among FIFA,
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Fumie Suguri inspired attendees by recounting her journey to becoming an Olympic athlete and competing on the international stage. She spoke about the discipline, perseverance, and support network that enabled her to perform at the highest levels of competition while representing Japan. Suguri also emphasized the mutual respect and camaraderie shared among athletes from around the world, highlighting the values that transcend international competition. The event celebrated JASDFW’s accomplishments over the past year while looking ahead to continued growth, leadership, and collaboration within the Japanese and North Texas business communities.
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING TEAM JAPAN!
The summer of 2026 was an unforgettable one for soccer fans across the Dallas region, which proudly hosted nine FIFA World Cup matches—the most of any host city. Team Japan’s World Cup journey began in Dallas with an exciting 2–2 draw against the tough Team Netherlands, a result that set the stage for advancement to the knockout rounds. Ahead of the opening match, the City of Plano and Ultras Nippon organized a vibrant pre-match celebration in Downtown Plano. The event featured performances by Japanese musicians and DJs, appearances by former Olympic figure skater Fumie Suguri, former Japanese national team players, FC Dallas legends, and other special guests, bringing fans together in support of Team Japan. Japan continued its strong tournament run with an impressive 4–0 victory over Tunisia in Mexico City, securing a place in the knockout stage. The team then returned to Dallas to face Sweden, earning another hard-fought 2–2 draw and finishing second in the group to advance to the Round of 32. Prior to the match, the City of Dallas and Ultras Nippon hosted another spirited fan celebration at the Harwood District in downtown Dallas. Japan’s tournament concluded with a memorable knockout-round match against soccer powerhouse Brazil in Houston. Japan entered halftime with a 1–0 lead, thrilling the Team Japan supporters in the stadium and millions of viewers around the world. Although Brazil equalized in the second half and ultimately scored a lastminute winner to claim a 2–1 victory, Team Japan inspired fans around the world with its exciting style of play, unwavering spirit, and exemplary sportsmanship, and showed that they are close to joining the top echelon teams on the global stage. Team Japan also inspired many people throughout the tournament as their fans and Team Japan received a lot of positive publicity for their tradition of picking up trash at the stadium and locker room after the game, leaving their sections spotless and highlighting the positive Japanese culture of cleaning and keeping their communities clean.
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RUNNERS REPRESENT DALLAS IN THE SENDAI INTERNATIONAL HALF MARATHON 2026
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wo Dallas runners returned from Sendai, Japan, with one word to describe their experience: unforgettable. Sarah Wagner and Alfonzo “Fonz” Gonzalez Jr. represented Dallas at the 2026 Sendai International Half Marathon on May 10 as athletic ambassadors of the DallasSendai International Friendship City partnership, established in 1997.
JAL’s Akira Sekiguchi served as team leader and praised Sendai’s hospitality: “Being a member of Team Dallas was a truly unforgettable experience. I was deeply moved by the incredible warmth and hospitality we received from the people of Sendai.”
For Sarah, who is half Japanese, the trip offered a meaningful connection to her heritage. “Every aspect Selected by the Japan-America Society of Dallas/ of the experience was Fort Worth (JASDFW), the City of Dallas, and thoughtfully planned, and Japan Airlines (JAL), Sarah and Fonz were chosen our hosts in Sendai were not only for their athletic achievements, but incredibly welcoming. I had a kokeshi doll as a also for their commitment to cultural exchange child, so I loved finding one to bring home for and community engagement. Says Dusty my daughter. As we ran past the giant kokeshi Kimura of Japan Airlines: “Serving on the 2026 statue in Sendai, it felt like such a full-circle selection panel was a privilege, but selecting moment. It was a beautiful reminder of the just two runners was a tough task with so many connection between my childhood, my heritage, exceptional candidates.” They joined runners and the opportunity to share both with my own from other Sendai sister cities across Asia, daughter.” Mexico, and the United States.
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For Fonz, visiting Japan for the first time, the week-long itinerary provided a unique opportunity to immerse himself in local culture. Fontz expressed, “It was an incredible moment to see the Sendai Mayor, Kazuko Kohri, personally come to wish the sister city runners good luck before the race.” Citizens of Sendai line the race course to cheer, offering support and hospitality to all the runners, but especially their international guests. With enthusiastic support from local spectators, both Dallas representatives turned in strong performances. Beyond the race, Team Dallas participated in cultural and friendship-building activities, including a visit to Arahama, an area devastated by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami, and Mori no Sato, an eldercare facility that received support from Dallas fundraising efforts.
competition by lasting relationships, and bringing together people from diverse backgrounds in the spirit of goodwill. Sendai’s unwavering commitment to international engagement and hospitality serves as an inspiring model for cities around the world.”
The delegation also visited Sendai Castle, the Dallas-Sendai Friendship Bell, and met with Sendai Mayor Kazuko Kohri, presenting commemorative gifts from the City of Dallas.
During the event, Akira Sekiguchi noted that 2027 will mark the 30th anniversary of the DallasSendai International Friendship City relationship, expressing confidence that the bond between the two cities will continue to grow.
Prior to race day, the runners joined members of the Hirosegawa Running Club for a community run along Sendai’s riverfront, strengthening connections through their shared love of running. Following the race, participants attended a celebration hosted by the Mayor of Sendai, bringing together sister-city teams, city officials, and community supporters. Recalling his past visits to Sendai, Macs Reynolds, City of Dallas, states: “To me, Sendai is a remarkable example of the power of sports diplomacy. The city demonstrates how international sporting events can transcend
JASDFW extends its sincere gratitude to Sarah Wagner, Alfonzo Gonzalez Jr., and Akira Sekiguchi for serving as outstanding ambassadors for Dallas. As the two cities prepare to celebrate three decades of friendship, this year’s Sendai Half Marathon stands as another successful example of the power of sports, cultural exchange, and international goodwill. As Sarah summarized: “I am incredibly grateful to the Japan-America Society and everyone in Sendai who made this experience possible. It is a trip I will never forget.”
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OTSUKIMI JAPANESE MOON VIEWING FESTIVAL Saturday, September 26, 2026 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Haggard Park • 901 E. 15th Street • Plano, TX • Free Admission The Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth is excited to welcome the return of its annual Otsukimi Japanese Moon Viewing Festival this fall. Bigger than ever before, this year’s festival will feature a larger venue, an expanded lineup of cultural performances and demonstrations, an even wider variety of Japanese and Asian cuisine, and more family-friendly activities for visitors of all ages. Making its festival debut in 2026 is a special presentation celebrating The Apothecary Diaries, one of today’s most popular anime and manga series. Guests will have the opportunity to watch an episode from the series and meet and hear from Emi Lo, the main character Maomao’s voice actor, who will share behind-the-scenes stories and discuss the growing popularity of the show with fans. As JASDFW’s largest annual community event, the Otsukimi Festival continues to bring together thousands of people to experience and celebrate Japanese culture and traditions. Approximately 6,000 guests attended last year’s festival, and an even larger turnout is expected in 2026. Whether you join us as a festival attendee, volunteer your time, or support the event as a sponsor, there are many ways to be part of this special tradition. We hope you’ll help make this year’s Otsukimi Festival our biggest and most memorable celebration yet.
BECOME AN OTSUKIMI SPONSOR BE A VENDOR JOIN OUR OTSUKIMI VOLUNTEER LIST
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IN MEMORY OF
SEIJI OHTOMO 4/20/1983 – 7/7/2026
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Seiji Ohtomo, a friend of Japan America Society of DFW, who left us far too early. Though his time in the Dallas region spanned only the past three years, the impact he made on those around him will be felt for a lifetime. Seiji-san had a remarkable gift for bringing people together. Through his warmth, kindness, generosity, and genuine interest in others, he built a wealth of friendships, both in the Japanese and American community, and touched countless lives. Whether sharing a laugh, offering support, or simply being present when someone needed a friend, Seiji-san made everyone feel valued and welcome. His memory lives on in the many friends, colleagues, and loved ones who were fortunate enough to know him. While we mourn the loss of a life cut short, we are grateful for the joy, friendship, and lasting connections Seji brought into our lives. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
From Tokyo to Texas
How NEC Corporation of America Has Remained a Decades-Old Bridge to Japan
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hances are that many people have crossed paths with NEC Corporation of America (NEC America) without ever knowing it. Maybe it was during checkout at a convenience store, a night out at a major league ballpark, or even at the airport where the technology was embedded into critical security measures. For decades, NEC America has been quietly woven into everyday American life, providing innovative technology to businesses across the globe.
127 Years of Innovation
NEC created its U.S. entity in 1963 under the name Nippon Electric New York, Inc., a move that would help establish NEC’s international footprint. During the 1970s, the company began its private branch exchange (PBX) business in Dallas, Texas, building critical telecommunications infrastructure for businesses that would support its work for decades to come. By the 1990s, NEC America had expanded into retail store management solutions, partnering with the largest convenience store chain in the world, to provide point-of-sale (POS) systems, the technology used to process transactions at checkout counters. In 2000, NEC relocated its U.S. headquarters to Irving Texas, and, in 2006, combined its U.S. businesses together to form NEC Corporation of America, uniting operations that had grown separately over nearly four decades.
Orchestrating a Brighter World Founders photo courtesy of NEC Corporation NEC America has operated in the United States for over 60 years, and is a subsidiary of NEC Corporation, a 127-year-old technology company headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. Founded in 1899 as Nippon Electric Company, Limited, NEC made history as Japan’s firstever joint venture company with a foreign country. NEC’s founder, Kunihiko Iwadare, notably worked under the direction of renowned inventor Thomas Edison at Edison Machine Works in New York, inspiring the creation of NEC. 14 | Sun & Star
At the core of NEC’s business is its stated purpose: “to create the social values of safety, security, fairness and efficiency, aiming to promote a more sustainable world where everyone has the chance to reach their full potential.” It’s a simple idea, but one that shows itself continuously in the company’s work. From its passionate community partnerships, to helping define the future of artificial intelligence through its innovative technologies and services, NEC America’s aim is to orchestrate a brighter world through responsible technological innovation. NEC America partners with law enforcement and government agencies on the local, state and federal
levels, working alongside the Department of Homeland Security and agencies throughout the U.S., including locally in Texas, providing mission critical technologies and solutions that integrate into their everyday systems, protecting the daily lives of community members. When it comes to its enterprise business, NEC America’s technology also supports operations at major league stadiums and theme parks through its touchless entry system, enhancing the guest experience. The technology supports thousands of stadium and theme park visitors each year, allowing guests to enter venues without the hassle of paper or digital tickets. NEC America’s work also reaches into cultural and civic spaces close to home. At the National Soccer Hall of Fame in Frisco, Texas, NEC America has brought facial recognition technology to the visitor experience, creating a highly engaging guest experience. The American Alliance of Museums Media and Technology Network’s awarded the National Soccer Hall of Fame the Gold Muse Award for Research and Innovation for NEC America’s “Facial Recognition Personalization Software” in 2019. This technology is also used as part of STEAM FC: Powered by NEC, which is an interactive STEAM field trip program that invites sixth grade students from Frisco ISD to experience the power of technology in sports. To date, the program has been shared with over 10,000 Frisco ISD students.
Connecting the U.S. and Japan NEC America prides itself on being a social and physical connection to Japan. For decades, Japan-America Society has been a vital partner in ensuring NEC America maintains itself as a trusted bridge between the US and Japan as it has grown into the largest region in NEC’s business. Japan-America Society has been an invaluable partner in fostering the cultural and business connections between both countries. In the same way JASDFW and NEC America connect the U.S. and Japan socially, NEC America also physically connects Japan and the U.S. through its submarine cable program. NEC as a whole has laid over 450,000 km of submarine cable since 1964, which is enough to circle Earth eleven times. While submarine cable is critical to the way the world supports international data traffic, this physical connection also serves as a powerful representation of partnership between the two countries.
The Future of NEC Embracing the future technological landscape, NEC Corporation and its subsidiaries are headed toward a central focus on artificial intelligence, with a goal of becoming an AI-native company. In practice, that means building AI into the design of its technology from the start, rather than implementing it later, and carrying that approach across the industries it already serves, including public safety, enterprise, finance, healthcare, telecommunications, retail and government services. As the future of AI continues to be molded, NEC will be at the forefront, fighting for its ethical use. NEC takes pride in creating and utilizing technology that is not only beneficial to the world but is also a responsible steward of it. Ranked 7th on TIME magazine’s World’s Most Sustainable Companies list, NEC aims to not only be known for its ethics in sustainability, but for emerging technologies like AI as well. From NEC’s history in telecommunications infrastructure to its future in AI, over a century of technological developments have established NEC as the business it is today. NEC America is proud to call Irving, Texas home, and is honored to serve as a representation of Japan in the United States alongside JASDFW. With continued partnership with JASDFW, NEC America looks forward to another century of creating what’s next in technology.
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NEW BOARD MEMBERS Yuko Kitamura’s journey is a story of courage, global perspective, and a deep commitment to uplifting others.
Yuko Kitamura Breaking Barriers
Born and raised in Japan, she pursued her passion for understanding the world by earning a B.A. in International Relations from Tsuda University in Tokyo, followed by an MBA from the University of Louisiana at Monroe—an experience that marked the beginning of her cross-cultural career. For over 25 years, Yuko has built her professional path at Hitachi High-Tech America, where she now serves as Director of Supply Chain Operations. In a fast-paced and complex semiconductor industry, she has been working with resilience, adaptability, and a quiet determination to continuously grow and make an impact, especially between the US and Japan. Yuko’s story extends beyond her corporate role. She is a dedicated educator, serving as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Texas at Dallas, where she guides and inspires business major students as they prepare to step into their own futures. In 2018, driven by her own experiences navigating careers across cultures, Yuko co-founded a nonprofit organization called Japanese Career Women (JCW). As President, she has created a supportive community where women can connect, learn, and find the confidence to pursue their ambitions. Her passion lies in helping women believe in their voices and possibilities, and it goes not only for active working women but also female students who soon to be advancing their career in the future. Recently Yuko further expanded her community impact by taking on a Board Member role with the Japan America Society of Dallas-Fort Worth (JASDFW), continuing her commitment to strengthening connections and supporting the Japanese community abroad. 16 | Sun & Star
Outside of her professional and community work, Yuko finds joy in yoga, playing the Electone (the electric keyboard), traveling, and cooking—simple yet meaningful ways she stays grounded and inspired. Yuko believes that when women support one another, incredible things happen. Through every role she holds, she continues to lead with purpose, compassion, and a vision of a more connected and empowered world.
NEW BOARD MEMBERS
Adam Zehner Promoting Japan’s Soft Power
Now a 20+ year veteran of anime company Crunchyroll (a Sony Pictures Entertainment Company), Adam’s recent promotion to SVP Global Content and Media-Mix Partnership Strategy allows him to explore emerging touch points with fans that reinforce the fact that anime is not just a content medium; for passionate fans it is, in fact, a lifestyle. Adam collaborates closely with an expanding list of partners to innovate how fans engage with the beloved characters and titles they crave. While Japan previously relied on electronics and semiconductor industries, its influence has evolved substantially in recent years. Today, Japan is a global soft power powerhouse, captivating generations worldwide through anime, manga, video games, and iconic franchises that have become integral parts of popular culture. During his previous tenure as SVP Global Acquisitions and Global Content Planning at Crunchyroll, Adam and his team acquired the rights to more than 2,000 anime titles. Highlights included beloved franchises Attack on Titan, Your Name, One Piece, My Hero Academia, Cowboy Bebop, Akira, and Dragon Ball Super. While Adam is grateful for the amazing journey anime has provided, Adam took a circuitous route to get here. He owes both his career and his love of Japanese culture to a happy twist of fate during his senior year of
Adam Zehner works with one guiding principle: that Japanese content creators are second to none and deserve a brighter spotlight on the global content stage. high school. Adam applied for and received a Rotary International Scholarship to spend a gap year overseas. With his bags virtually packed for Germany, however, he was informed a mere 3 weeks prior to departure that hosting arrangements had changed. Forced to quickly shift plans to an alternate country, he was lucky that a Rotary exchange student alumnus strongly suggested Japan instead. Boarding the plane with only “sushi”, “sumo” and “samurai” in his vocabulary, Adam made his way to Shirakawa, Japan. After an incredible year in Japan, Adam returned to the University of Texas, where he majored in Acting, Playwriting, and Asian Studies (with a Japanese focus). Upon graduating, Adam would return to Japan, this time heading to Dallas’ sister city Sendai on the JET program. Less than a week after Adam returned to Dallas, the final catalyst for his anime career occurred when he received a phone call from the Sendai International Center asking him to interpret for an anime director traveling to Dallas. It was here he’d catch the eye of Crunchyroll and receive an offer that launched his role in the dynamic growth anime has enjoyed these last two decades. Adam supports Japanese artists and culture through many avenues, including managing and performing with Toki the Japanese Elvis on his U.S. tours. He also commits time to working with exchange students to enrich their experiences here. In joining the board, Adam hopes to offer additional avenues for people to discover the rich culture Japan and the U.S. each have and to facilitate a new generation of fans and creators. Sun & Star | 17
SOLD OUT Wednesday, August 26, 2026 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM Connect with professionals, entrepreneurs, and community leaders Enjoy exceptional Japanese cuisine and happy hour drinks Learn from local business leaders and industry experts Strengthen Japanese-American relationships and build lasting connections. PRICE $99 INCLUDES
EVENT SCHEDULE
• • • • •
5:00 PM – 5:30 PM
NETWORKING & HAPPY HOUR
5:30 PM – 6:00 PM
TINA & MEG, Financial Wellness & Planning for Professionals
6:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Dave Yang, Co-Founder, Play Interactive & Play TCG Working with Japanese Companies: A U.S. Perspective
6:30 PM – 7:00 PM
OPEN NETWORKING RECEPTION
Networking Reception Featured Speaker Presentations Sushi & Seafood Selections Premium Japanese Wagyu Tastings One beverage (beer, house sake or wine, or non-alcoholic drinks) • Tax and gratuities
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SAMURAI TO THE IMPERIAL COURT:
Japanese Metalwork at the Dallas Museum of Art Saturday, September 5, 2026 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
You are invited to enjoy the final weekend of Samurai to the Imperial Court: Japanese Metalwork at the Dallas Museum of Art, with a guest lecture and a special limited capacity exhibition tour with the exhibition curator and the DMA’s Curator of Asian Art Jacqueline Chao, and the Director of The Ann & Gabriel Barbier-Mueller Museum: The Samurai Collection, Dallas, Jessica Beasley.
REGISTER NOW
GOLF CLASSIC - SAVE THE DATE 12th Annual Sun & Star Golf Classic
Saturday, October 24, 2026 Bear Creek Golf Club 3500 Bear Creek Ct in Dallas, Texas This signature event offers an excellent opportunity to connect with Japanese and American business leaders while supporting JASDFW’s business, cultural, and educational initiatives. Enjoy a memorable morning of golf, networking, client development, and relationship building within the North Texas community. Sponsorship opportunities and additional details will be announced soon. Sun & Star | 19
FROM HANDWRITTEN TO DIGITAL:
HISTORY CONTINUES As JASDFW’s history reaches more than 56 years, so much of our story has been documented through handwritten notes, typewriters, printed newsletters, and physical mail. Our newsletter has been one of the enduring ways we have connected with our community and shared the stories, activities, and milestones of JASDFW. Today, technology has transformed the way we communicate and share our ideas. We can bring our imagination to life through visuals, connect with one another instantly, and share information faster than ever before. This year, we launched our digital magazine, and we are excited to present its second issue. As we continue to embrace new ways of communicating, we also see this as an opportunity to reflect on where we came from and preserve the history that brought us here. While the tools and technology may continue to change, our mission and vision remain the same. As we look toward the future and the next generation, we are proud to carry our history forward while continuing to write the next chapter of JASDFW’s story.
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Help Preserve the Stories of Asian American Communities in North Texas
The Asian American Historical Society is inviting Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in North Texas to share their stories as part of Outside In, an oral history and community storytelling project documenting the ways AAPI communities have transformed suburban life across the American South. The project focuses on communities in and around Richardson, Irving, Carrollton, Grand Prairie, Garland, Plano, and surrounding areas—places where Asian American families, businesses, organizations, and community leaders have helped shape the region’s history.
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FROM THE DALLAS ASIAN AMERICAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY:
Our mission is to research, preserve, and amplify the legacy of Asian Americans in the Dallas area. We are currently seeking narrators to participate in Outside In, an oral history and community storytelling project documenting how Asian American and Pacific Islander communities have transformed suburban landscapes across the American South since the passage of the 1965 Immigration and Nationality Act. We believe your experiences and perspective could make an important contribution to this effort. Participation involves a recorded oral history interview at a time and location convenient for you. The conversation will focus on your personal experiences, family history, connections to the community, and memories of life in North Texas. Participants will have opportunities to review materials and ask questions throughout the process. Our goal is to ensure that the stories of AAPI communities in North Texas are preserved for future generations and become part of the historical record. We also welcome recommendations of family members, friends, neighbors, or community leaders whose stories deserve to be included.”
YOUR STORY MATTERS
INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING?
Every community has stories that deserve to be remembered—stories of immigration, family, work, neighborhood life, cultural traditions, challenges, and the people who helped build a community.
Learn more and join the project through the Asian American History Society’s Outside In project page:
If you or someone you know has a story about the Asian American experience in North Texas, consider becoming part of this important historical archive.
Outside In — Asian American Historical Society If you have questions about the project or would like to recommend someone whose story should be preserved, please reach out directly to Stephanie at the Asian American Historical Society.
stephanie@dallasasianhistory.org Sun & Star | 21
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NEW STAFF M W E F M D -
Gabriella Dolce
Administration & Operations Coordinator Gabriella has lived in the DFW area for most of her life and has always been drawn to the beauty and richness of different cultures, music, art, and history. She is married with two children and loves learning, exploring new perspectives, and finding creative ways to connect with others—which is what immediately drew her to the Japan-America Society of DFW. After 20 years in the medical field, she is excited to begin a new chapter focused on the things she is passionate about, while bringing the organizational and people 22 | Sun & Star
skills she developed throughout her career to help coordinate events, programs, and office activities. With a background in the performing arts and a love of styling and creativity, she looks forward to bringing a little of that creative energy to the Society. She is excited to be part of the team and looks forward to meeting and connecting with members at upcoming events!
W NE W R F D OL S E JA
Nina Shimaguchi
Culture Programming Specialist We’re excited to share that, beginning this fall, she will take on a new role with JASDFW as our Culture Programming Specialist. For the past seven years, she has dedicated herself to learning, researching, and finding meaningful ways to share and explain Japanese culture to people from different cultural backgrounds. Japanese culture is rich, nuanced, and diverse, and she is passionate about helping others discover the stories, traditions, customs, and deeper meaning behind it. In her new role, she will serve as a contract
program designer and presenter, creating fun, engaging, and interactive opportunities for our community to discover, learn about, and experience Japanese culture.Her passion for sharing and preserving Japanese culture has continued to grow throughout her life, and we’re excited to see that passion take on a new focus through JASDFW. She looks forward to connecting with more of you and creating meaningful opportunities to experience and appreciate the beauty, depth, and diversity of Japanese culture together. Sun & Star | 23
BUILDING A STRONG FOUNDATION: Our Approach to Japanese Language Learning By Ikuko Fujiwara, Language Programs Manager, Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth Language learning is a lifelong journey. Quite literally, I am a forever learner of English. And I am proud of it. The more I learn, the more I realize how much there is still to discover. There is definitely beauty in that, and some might even call it romantic. But it also comes with a certain humility. Even after more than 40 years of learning, I still don’t feel that I have mastered the language. And my own experience has also shown me time and time again how having a strong foundation can make a tremendous difference. It has given me the confidence to keep going, even when I didn’t understand everything or when learning became difficult. With that in mind, the Japanese Language Program at the Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth was designed. We believe that one of the key steps in the language learning journey is building a strong foundation—one that learners can rely on and continue to build upon as they grow. I cannot emphasize enough how deeply nuanced Japanese is. It can be understood from many perspectives, and sometimes even seemingly opposite explanations can both be true. When a student asks whether a Japanese sentence needs a subject, my answer is often, “Well, yes and no,” or “That depends.” The answer depends on the context and even on what we mean by subject, because the concept of a subject in English grammar is not always the same as in Japanese grammar. Even among experts, there are many ways to explain the same ideas. I constantly remind students of the nuanced nature of Japanese and that explaining Japanese through English adds yet another layer of interpretation. Many questions about 24 | Sun & Star
Japanese simply do not have a single, straightforward answer. This is why we focus on building a strong foundation. We try to keep the learning simple by focusing on the essentials—the core structures, patterns, and tools that learners can continue applying throughout their journey. We are fully aware that even the fundamentals can be complex and nuanced, but we do our very best to present them in a clear and approachable way. Our hope is that our learners develop an understanding of how the Japanese language works through the basic framework. We want them to experience many “Aha!” moments, as well as those reassuring moments of, “I can do this.” Through those small breakthroughs, we hope learners build a solid foundation that gives them the confidence and the curiosity to keep exploring. Just as I continue to be a forever learner of English, I hope our learners become forever learners of Japanese—continuing to grow, discover, and find joy in the language throughout their lives. Visit us at
jasdfw.org/language-center/
THANK YOU FROM JASDFW
Thank you for reading the summer issue of Sun & Star, the web magazine of the Japan-America Society of Dallas/ Fort Worth. We sincerely value your time and would greatly appreciate your feedback. Your responses will play an important role in shaping future issues and ensuring that our content is meaningful, engaging, and relevant to our readers. This brief survey will take only a few minutes to complete, and your input is highly appreciated.
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