This event has reached its registration capacity. The waiting list is now open.

JASM is excited to partner with ceramic artist Juliane Shibata and Northern Clay Center (NCC) to offer two hands-on ceramic workshops! Join us in the NCC Handbuilding Studio to create beautiful artistic pieces inspired by Japanese culture!

Help make ceramic pieces for 2026 Obon Festival artwork! All are welcome to join; the goal is to include and showcase a wide range of styles and individual perspectives. No previous art or clay experience is necessary (those under 18 yrs. old must be accompanied by adult).

Project Overview

• Participants will take part in two free hands-on ceramic workshops at Northern Clay Center.

• A collaborative artwork created in the workshops will be displayed at JASM’s 2026 Obon Festival.

• The installation will be featured in the Ordway Gardens at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory.

• The project celebrates community connections and the unique identities of JASM members and friends.

Workshop 1: Design & Make Clay Stamps

Thursday, February 5, 2026
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Individuals will make 1-2 clay stamps that represent(s) an aspect or aspects of their identity. These stamps will be fired and used in workshop 2.

(Right: Example of bisque stamp and impression on slab of clay)

Workshop 2: Use Bisque Stamps to Make Installation Components

Thursday, March 19, 2026
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

The stamps from the first workshop will be used to transfer designs onto fresh slabs of clay. Participants will use cookie cutters shaped like cherry blossoms to create related installation components.

(Right: Cherry blossom cookie cutter used to form the overall shape of the piece)

Note: Participants are strongly encouraged to attend both workshops. However:

• if individuals can’t attend the first workshop in February, they shouldn’t be dissuaded from signing up for the second workshop. Please email us at jasm@mn-japan.org if you are unable to attend one of the workshops.
•  if participants attend the first workshop but can’t attend the second, they could have a friend or family member come in their place in March to finish the activity.

Location
Northern Clay Center (https://northernclaycenter.org/)
2424 E Franklin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55406 (Google Maps)

*Free parking is available in NCC’s West lot (off 24^th Ave.)

*We will meet in Handbuilding Studio (Studio C)

Important Details

• Free to participate (Voluntary donations are welcome and help support JASM programming. To donate, please click here.)
• Registration required
• Workshop Capacity: Maximum 20 participants per session. First come, first served.

• A waitlist will be generated if the workshops fill.

• Material: Clay and tools will be provided. 

• Age Policy: Participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

About the organizer of Taking Shape: 

Juliane Shibata is a ceramic artist and educator based in Northfield, Minnesota. She was awarded a 2025 Center for Craft Teaching Artist Cohort Grant, a 2021 McKnight Artist Fellowship for Ceramic Artists, and Artist Initiative grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board. Juliane received the Tile Heritage Prix Primo award at the 23rd Annual San Angelo National Ceramic Competition and first place in the 62nd Arrowhead Regional Biennial. She has been a resident artist at Oak Spring Garden Foundation, Starworks Center, Art Omi: Artists, The Pottery Workshop in Jingdezhen, China, and the College of Biological Sciences Conservatory & Botanical Collection at the University of Minnesota. Her installations have been commissioned by, among others, Abbott Northwestern Hospital and the Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis.

www.julianeshibata.com

Juliane Shibata is a fiscal year 2026 recipient of a Creative Individuals grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board. This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

This project is supported by Forecast Public Art through funding from The McKnight Foundation.

                   

• July 16, 2026 - Application Deadline
• July 26, 2026   - Send interview invitations to candidates
• Aug 7, 2026 - Complete interviews of candidates
• Aug 10, 2026 - Award scholarships

JASM日本語クラス開講のご報告とタンデムパートナー募集のお願い

このたび、JASMでは 初となる日本語クラスを正式に開講 いたしました。

おかげさまで多くの皆様にご関心をお寄せいただいております。今回、JASM主催での開講であることから、日本語に堪能なJASM会員の皆様に、クラス参加者のタンデムパートナー（学習パートナー）としてご協力いただければと考えております。

タンデムパートナーの役割について

ご参加いただける場合、JASMにてタンデムパートナーの方と受講者をペアリングいたします。

その後は、各ペアにて以下の点を自主的にご調整いただきます：

• 日本語学習をどのような形で進めるか
• 交流・学習の頻度や方法
• 会話練習や文化紹介など、必要に応じたサポート内容

※タンデムパートナーは 指導者ではなく、あくまで学習を支えるパートナー という位置づけです。

ペアの見直しについて

もし「スケジュールが合わない」「学習スタイルが合わない」などの理由でパートナー変更をご希望の場合は、JASMにて再調整いたします。

反対に、良いマッチングと感じられた場合は、ペアごとに自由に学習を進めていただければ幸いです。

タンデムパートナー参加条件

• JASM会員であること
• 18歳以上であること
• 本メールを問題なく読み、理解できる日本語力をお持ちであること

申し込み方法

こちらのページからレジストレーションをしていただくと、申し込み確認のメールが届きます。そこにあるGoogle Formの質問に答えていただけるとお申込み完了です。

JASMと一緒にJASMメンバーの皆さんの日本語学習をサポートしていきましょう！！

A Museum You Can Visit from Anywhere?!

JASM will be hosting another online lecture event by a JASM member Mac Gill on  Thursday, April 1st at 6:00pm to 7:00pm (CST). 

In this talk, Marc will introduce the Digital Museum of the History of Japanese in New York (DMHJNY) an unique and innovative digital-only museum. She will highlight the newest exhibit that opened March 1, 2026, titled Exhibiting JAPAN: The Japan Pavilions at the New York World's Fairs in 1939-1940 and 1964-1965.

Additionally, Mac will discuss what it means to be an online only museum, the exhibit creation process, and how the concept of museums and exhibits is changing.

Tickets:

JASM Member: FREE

Non-JASM Member:  $10

Please note that tickets are non-refundable. However, they are transferable. Please contact jasm@mn-japan.org for transfers

Marc Gill (they/she)

Mac is the project Manager for the Digital Museum of the History of Japanese in New York (DMHJNY) and wears many hats including researcher, translator, copyright specialist, scheduler, and web designer. Their work focuses on accessibility for digital resources, and finding innovative ways to make what could be a simple webpage into an immersive and interactive museum experience.

Mac holds an MLIS in Library & Information Sciences, an MFA in Literary Translation and a graduate certificate in Digital Humanities from the University of Iowa. She also spent two years on the JET Program as a CIR in Kōchi Prefecture.

They believe one can never have too many things going on and also works as a freelance translator and occasional theatre technician.

Due to popular demand, a Wednesday class is open.  Monday waitlist also available.

We are happy finally to announce that JASM will launch its inaugural online Japanese language course. This course will meet once a week in the evening for twelve weeks and will be offered online via Zoom.

This is a pilot course offered exclusively to JASM members.

Course Description

Schedule

Dates: April 6 – June 22, 2026 (12 weeks)
Day: Mondays
Time:

• Class: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM CT
• Office Hour: 7:30 – 8:00 PM CT

Each session includes 90 minutes of class, followed by an optional 30-minute office hour for individual questions and support.

Level

Beginner

Price

$350* (JASM members only)

*This pilot course is available exclusively to JASM members.

About the Class

• The Beginner-Level Japanese Course is intended for learners who are new to the language and do not yet read or write Hiragana or Katakana.
• If you have no prior experience learning Japanese, this course is highly recommended.
• The class will have a minimum of 5 students and a maximum of 10 students.

Additional Support (Optional Tandem Partner Program)

JASM wants every participant to succeed in this course. To provide additional support, we offer an optional tandem partner or volunteer support service for those who are interested. Participants may be matched with a tandem partner for mutual language practice or with a volunteer who wishes to assist learners in an informal setting. Tandem partners and volunteers will be native speakers or individuals who are fluent in the language. Tandem partners and volunteers do not provide formal instruction or tutoring. Participation in this service is completely optional and available upon request.

Required Materials

Genki I (3rd Edition), The Japan Times

• Textbook
  ISBN-13: 978-4-7890-1730-5
• Workbook (CDs included)
  ISBN-13: 978-4-7890-1731-2

Please prepare a small whiteboard and marker, or alternatively, paper and a thick marker (such as a Sharpie) for use during class activities.

Textbooks may be purchased through Amazon or other (online) bookstores.

Course Objectives

This course is designed for those who have no previous knowledge of Japanese, and it aims to develop the four communication skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing as well as culture-specific skills: Do’s and Don’ts. Based on the guidelines that the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) has made, you will aim to reach the level of Novice Mid by the end of this course. 

This course will cover Lessons 1 through 3 of GENKI I (refer to “Required Materials”), including both “Conversation and Grammar” and “Reading and Writing.” The following topics are covered in this course: 

1. Meeting people for the first time,

2. Shopping and eating out, and

3. Describing activities and extending/declining invitations.

To facilitate literacy, two types of Japanese characters, Hiragana and Katakana, and 15 Chinese characters, Kanji, will be introduced. When you learn characters in class, you will show your handwritten characters to the instructor through the camera.

Respectful interactions are critical to successful professional conduct, and facial expressions are very important to avoid misinterpretation and miscommunication. It is strongly encouraged to turn on your camera throughout class to help build our classroom community.

About Instructor

Keiko Kawakami is a Senior Teaching Specialist of Japanese in the Department of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies (AMES) at the University of Minnesota since 2010. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Japanese Language and Literature, and a Master’s degree in Applied Linguistics with Bilingual Education and Diversity Studies. She has taught Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced Japanese courses in higher education, and she teaches private lessons to those from children to the elderly.

Besides teaching, she enjoys translating documents and has done several works including “Sachiko: A Nagasaki Bomb Survivor’s Story” published in 2016 and "A Bowl Full of Peace" published in 2020 written by Caren Stelson.

She is an active member of Minnesota Council of Teachers of Japanese (MCTJ) , American Association of Teachers of Japanese (AATJ), and Saint Paul – Nagasaki Sister City Committee (SPNSCC) as well as Japan America Society of Minnesota (JASM).

TERMS & POLICIES 

Holiday Breaks & Make-Up Classes

If the instructor knows in advance that she will be unable to teach on a regularly scheduled class date, an alternative date will be noted in the course description. Make-up classes will be held on another date mutually agreed upon by the instructor and the class.

Registration Deadline

Monday, March 23^rd

Membership Requirement

JASM membership is required to register.

• Individual: $50

• Family: $75

• Individual-Sustaining: $25/month

• or more

Memberships are valid for one year from the date of payment.

Join here: https://japanamericasocietyofminnesota.wildapricot.org/Join-JASM

Textbooks

JASM does not place textbook orders on behalf of students. Please purchase your required textbooks independently and have them ready before the first class session.

Registration

Register online at 

https://japanamericasocietyofminnesota.wildapricot.org/event-6554922 

Class Size

The class requires a minimum of 5 students and has a maximum of 10 students.

Online Meeting Platform

JASM’s Japanese language class is conducted via Zoom, unless otherwise specified.

• Students are responsible for securing a quiet and appropriate space to participate in the full 90-minute class session. The additional 30-minute office hours is optional.

• The instructor will email the Zoom link prior to the first class.

• The Zoom link will remain the same throughout the term unless otherwise announced.

Classes may be recorded at the instructor’s discretion and shared only with enrolled students for a limited time of up to one month for review purpose or in case of absence. Sharing Zoom links or recorded class materials with third parties is strictly prohibited.

Recommended Device

Students are strongly encouraged to use a computer or tablet. Mobile devices are not recommended, as they may limit Zoom functionality.

Cancellation & Refund Policy

All cancellation and refund requests must be submitted by email.

• By March 23, 2026: Full refund

• March 24 – April 5, 2026: 50% refund

• After April 6, 2026: No refunds

No refunds or credits will be issued for missed classes.
(All times are Central Standard Time.)

Waitlist Policy

If a class is full at the time of registration, students will be placed on a waitlist. Students will be notified if space becomes available.

Tandem Partner Policy

Tandem partners will be matched by the JASM office. Requests for partner changes may be made up to two (2) times, subject to availability. Please contact us at jasm@mn-japan.org. Participants are responsible for arranging meeting format (in person or online), schedules, and communication directly with their tandem partner. Tandem partners and volunteers provide informal language exchange only and do not offer instruction or tutoring. JASM is not responsible for arrangements or interactions that occur outside of official class sessions.

Additional Notes

• Tuition is not prorated. Missed classes cannot be made up, and no refunds or private tutoring are provided for absences.

• If a class receives fewer than 4 registrations, it will be canceled. In that case, registered students may request a full refund.

• Class schedules may change due to instructor availability, holidays, or unforeseen circumstances. Any make-up classes will be scheduled in consultation with the class.

• A certificate of class completion may be issued upon request for students with 60% or higher attendance.

• This is an adult language program. Classes are open to individuals 18 years and older.

Due to popular demand, a Wednesday class is now open!

We are happy to announce that, due to popular demand, JASM will open a Wednesday class of its inaugural online Japanese language course. This course will meet once a week in the evening for twelve weeks and will be offered online via Zoom.

This is a pilot course offered exclusively to JASM members.

Course Description

SCHEDULE

Dates: April 8 – June 24, 2026 (12 weeks)
Day: Wednesdays
Time:

• Class: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM CT
• Office Hour: 7:30 – 8:00 PM CT

Each session includes 90 minutes of class, followed by an optional 30-minute office hour for individual questions and support.

LEVEL

Beginner

PRICE

$350* (JASM members only)

*This pilot course is available exclusively to JASM members.

ABOUT THE CLASS

• The Beginner-Level Japanese Course is intended for learners who are new to the language and do not yet read or write Hiragana or Katakana.
• If you have no prior experience learning Japanese, this course is highly recommended.
• The class will have a minimum of 5 students and a maximum of 10 students.

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT (Optional Tandem Partner Program)

JASM wants every participant to succeed in this course. To provide additional support, we offer an optional tandem partner or volunteer support service for those who are interested. Participants may be matched with a tandem partner for mutual language practice or with a volunteer who wishes to assist learners in an informal setting. Tandem partners and volunteers will be native speakers or individuals who are fluent in the language. Tandem partners and volunteers do not provide formal instruction or tutoring. Participation in this service is completely optional and available upon request.

REQUIRED MATERIALS

Genki I (3rd Edition), The Japan Times

• Textbook
  ISBN-13: 978-4-7890-1730-5
• Workbook (CDs included)
  ISBN-13: 978-4-7890-1731-2

Please prepare a small whiteboard and marker, or alternatively, paper and a thick marker (such as a Sharpie) for use during class activities.

Textbooks may be purchased through Amazon or other (online) bookstores.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

This course is designed for those who have no previous knowledge of Japanese, and it aims to develop the four communication skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing as well as culture-specific skills: Do’s and Don’ts. Based on the guidelines that the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) has made, you will aim to reach the level of Novice Mid by the end of this course. 

This course will cover Lessons 1 through 3 of GENKI I (refer to “Required Materials”), including both “Conversation and Grammar” and “Reading and Writing.” The following topics are covered in this course: 

1. Meeting people for the first time,

2. Shopping and eating out, and

3. Describing activities and extending/declining invitations.

To facilitate literacy, two types of Japanese characters, Hiragana and Katakana, and 15 Chinese characters, Kanji, will be introduced. When you learn characters in class, you will show your handwritten characters to the instructor through the camera.

Respectful interactions are critical to successful professional conduct, and facial expressions are very important to avoid misinterpretation and miscommunication. It is strongly encouraged to turn on your camera throughout class to help build our classroom community.

About Instructor

Keiko Kawakami is a Senior Teaching Specialist of Japanese in the Department of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies (AMES) at the University of Minnesota since 2010. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Japanese Language and Literature, and a Master’s degree in Applied Linguistics with Bilingual Education and Diversity Studies. She has taught Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced Japanese courses in higher education, and she teaches private lessons to those from children to the elderly.

Besides teaching, she enjoys translating documents and has done several works including “Sachiko: A Nagasaki Bomb Survivor’s Story” published in 2016 and "A Bowl Full of Peace" published in 2020 written by Caren Stelson.

She is an active member of Minnesota Council of Teachers of Japanese (MCTJ) , American Association of Teachers of Japanese (AATJ), and Saint Paul – Nagasaki Sister City Committee (SPNSCC) as well as Japan America Society of Minnesota (JASM).

TERMS & POLICIES

Holiday Breaks & Make-Up Classes

If the instructor knows in advance that she will be unable to teach on a regularly scheduled class date, an alternative date will be noted in the course description. Make-up classes will be held on another date mutually agreed upon by the instructor and the class.

Registration Deadline

Monday, March 23^rd

Membership Requirement

JASM membership is required to register.

• Individual: $50

• Family: $75

• Individual-Sustaining: $25/month

• or more

Memberships are valid for one year from the date of payment.

Join here: https://japanamericasocietyofminnesota.wildapricot.org/Join-JASM

Textbooks

JASM does not place textbook orders on behalf of students. Please purchase your required textbooks independently and have them ready before the first class session.

Registration

Register online at 

https://japanamericasocietyofminnesota.wildapricot.org/event-6554922 

Class Size

The class requires a minimum of 5 students and has a maximum of 10 students.

Online Meeting Platform

JASM’s Japanese language class is conducted via Zoom, unless otherwise specified.

• Students are responsible for securing a quiet and appropriate space to participate in the full 90-minute class session. The additional 30-minute office hours is optional.

• The instructor will email the Zoom link prior to the first class.

• The Zoom link will remain the same throughout the term unless otherwise announced.

Classes may be recorded at the instructor’s discretion and shared only with enrolled students for a limited time of up to one month for review purpose or in case of absence. Sharing Zoom links or recorded class materials with third parties is strictly prohibited.

Recommended Device

Students are strongly encouraged to use a computer or tablet. Mobile devices are not recommended, as they may limit Zoom functionality.

Cancellation & Refund Policy

All cancellation and refund requests must be submitted by email.

• By March 25, 2026: Full refund

• March 26 – April 7, 2026: 50% refund

• After April 8, 2026: No refunds

No refunds or credits will be issued for missed classes.
(All times are Central Standard Time.)

Waitlist Policy

If a class is full at the time of registration, students will be placed on a waitlist. Students will be notified if space becomes available.

Tandem Partner Policy

Tandem partners will be matched by the JASM office. Requests for partner changes may be made up to two (2) times, subject to availability. Please contact us at jasm@mn-japan.org. Participants are responsible for arranging meeting format (in person or online), schedules, and communication directly with their tandem partner. Tandem partners and volunteers provide informal language exchange only and do not offer instruction or tutoring. JASM is not responsible for arrangements or interactions that occur outside of official class sessions.

Additional Notes

• Tuition is not prorated. Missed classes cannot be made up, and no refunds or private tutoring are provided for absences.

• If a class receives fewer than 4 registrations, it will be canceled. In that case, registered students may request a full refund.

• Class schedules may change due to instructor availability, holidays, or unforeseen circumstances. Any make-up classes will be scheduled in consultation with the class.

• A certificate of class completion may be issued upon request for students with 60% or higher attendance.

• This is an adult language program. Classes are open to individuals 18 years and older.

This is new JASM member only event.

Welcome new JASM Members!

(Picture: New Member Social 2025 at Saji-Ya, one of our corporate members)

New members who registered from April 10, 2025, to April 15, 2026, will be invited!

Join us for the New Member Social 2026 at Izakaya Kazama in Minneapolis on Thursday, April 16, from 6:00 PM to 6:30 PM. (Google Maps) Izakaya Kazama is located in the same space as Toki Doki Burger.

This New Member Social will take place at Izakaya Kazama just before Know Me Kai, a casual networking event starting at 6:30 PM at the same location.

Schedule:

• 6:00 PM: New Member Social​ - a new member only event
• 6:30 PM: Know Me Kai (Casual Networking Event)

This event is a great opportunity to get to know JASM a little better and meet other Japan enthusiasts in Minnesota and the surrounding area. 

Your Continued Support is Appreciated!

Kick off the spring season with JASM Know Me Kai, our casual networking event!

Join us for Know Me Kai at Izakaya Kazama in Minneapolis on Thursday, April 16 from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. Izakaya Kazama is a brand new izakaya in south Minneapolis. An izakaya is a Japanese-style tavern or gastropub, known for casual drinks and shareable small plates.

The event will take place at Izakaya Kazama, and guests will be able to enjoy the special Izakaya menu. Izakaya Kazama is located in the former Toki Doki Burger space. (Google Maps) 

What is Know Me Kai?
The name is a playful twist on the Japanese word nomikai (飲み会)—informal social gatherings that often involve food, drinks, and great conversation.

Come meet JASM members and other Japan enthusiasts from Minnesota and the surrounding area! Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, connect with new and familiar faces, and support a wonderful local restaurant.

*Price:

Non-Member: $10 (Become a member today!)

Member: Free

*Participants are responsible for the purchase of their own food and drink.

There will be special door prizes, so don’t miss out!

We are looking forward to seeing you there!

Registration will open in mid-May — Stay tuned!

Join us for a special online cooking event exploring Okinawan food culture through one of its most beloved local specialties — Pork & Egg Onigiri.

This live virtual program will take place on Thursday, June 25, 6:00–7:00 PM (CST) and will be led by Erina Tōyama, JOI Coordinator. During the session, Erina will introduce the historical background of postwar Okinawa and share how local food culture developed, highlighting the popular “Pork & Egg Onigiri,” often made using SPAM® — a brand headquartered in Minnesota.

Participants will learn how to make several Okinawa-style onigiri variations, while also enjoying a short presentation about Okinawan cuisine and cultural context. Whether you cook along at home or simply watch and learn, this is a fun opportunity to connect food, history, and community.

Menu (Planned Flavors)

• Plain
• Tuna Mayo
• Andansū (Okinawan Pork Miso)
• Chikinaa Stir-Fry

Ingredients List (Organized by Onigiri Type)

Base Ingredients (for all onigiri)

• Cooked Japanese rice
• Nori (seaweed)
• Salt

Pork & Egg (Spam Onigiri)

Tuna Mayo Onigiri

Andansū (Okinawan Pork Miso)

Chikinaa Stir-Fry Onigiri

Tickets:

JASM Member: FREE

Non-JASM Member:  $10

Please note that tickets are non-refundable. However, they are transferable. Please contact jasm@mn-japan.org for transfers

Erina Tōyama was born and raised in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. Her first experience living outside Okinawa was in Shanghai, China, when she was 24 years old. During her university years, she took a two-year leave of absence and worked at the Consulate-General of Japan in Shanghai. These valuable experiences helped her to realize the importance of grassroots international exchange for maintaining good relations between the two countries, and led her pursue a career in the field. She says that encountering different cultures and values through international exchange is not only enjoyable but also deepens one’s understanding of oneself, and she believes it can surely be helpful to others as well. Being from an island herself, she has personally experienced how access to information can vary depending on one's location. Through her experience as a JOI coordinator, she expects to learn what kind of efforts are needed to create more opportunities in such a regulated environment. Now, she says, she is very excited to create many opportunities for international exchange from Martin, Tennessee.

　　　

Obon Festival 2026 ticket will be available at Como Park website.

Please save the date for Obon Festival 2026 at Como Park on Sunday, August 16 from 3 PM to sundown for a celebration of Japanese culture and tradition.  There will be food, singing, dancing, martial arts, and of course, lantern lighting! This is a family friendly event perfect for everyone. 

The Obon Festival will take place rain or shine!

Please stay tuned for updates!

To find details, including parking information, and purchase tickets please visit Como Park website.

JASM Activities that will be at Obon Festival: 

Calligraphy - Try your hand at calligraphy or ask the calligraphy master for a message on a fan (with a donation of $15 or more)

Yo-Yo Tsuri - A game where participants fish for floating balloons

Kingyo sukui - In our version, fish for rubber fish with scoopers

Japanese Quiz - Test your knowledge of Japan and win a prize

 Wanage - Enjoy Japanese ring toss with friends

Main Booth - Find variety of JASM merchandise and other fun items.

Visit JASM Main Booth for Obon Festival Masks!

We hope to see you there!

Please mark your calendars for the 2026 Mondale Award and Scholarship Gala. It will be held in person on Saturday, November 14th at the Oak Ridge Country Club in Hopkins.

Registration will open at the end of September.

Both the Mondale Award and Mondale Scholarship will be presented at this event. The Mondale Award recognizes outstanding contributions to the building of understanding, cooperation, and respect between the people of Japan and Minnesota. 

The Mondale Scholarship is presented to students enrolled in Minnesota colleges and universities who want to broaden their knowledge of Japan through a combination of study and travel.

The 2026 Annual Meeting will be held on Thursday, December 10, at 6:00 p.m. at our Corporate Member, Taiyo International, Inc.’s office (Google Maps).

At the meeting, we will reflect on the past year and look ahead to the next. We’ll discuss new ways to further JASM’s mission and hold elections for board members.

Registration priority will be given to voting members.
If you wish to bring a guest, please contact jasm@mn-japan.org.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Parking information:

Please use Lilac Drive S to enter the parking garage on the east side. If arriving from Utica Street, take the road in front of the Taiyo office building, which will lead you to Lilac Drive and the parking garage entrance. There is no charge for parking. (Click here for a sky view map and here for the street view image of the parking garage.)