JASM’s Community Engagement: Connecting Minnesota with Japan
Explore the events and organizations JASM visited in 2025 to share Japanese culture and strengthen ties between Minnesota and Japan.
February
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July
Discover Japanese Temple and Shrine Stamps "Goshuin"
Have you ever heard of Goshuin? Goshuin is the unique and artistic stamps collected at temples and shrines across Japan. This online event will take place on Thursday, January 15 at 6:00pm to 7:00pm (CST). Join us for a cultural session exploring the fascinating world of Goshuin. In this session you will learn about beautifully hand-drawn stamps and calligraphy offered at temples and shrines acrossJapan. We’ll explore what Goshuin really are, where you can find them, and even how you might be able to get them in the U.S.
This event is perfect for anyone planning a trip to Japan, those interested in Japanese calligraphy, or anyone fascinated by shrines and temples.
This event will be led by Mika Usuki (JOI coordinator). She has been traveling around Japan visiting various shrines and temples to collect Goshuin. She will also share some hidden gems—lesser-known places that most tourists miss. Here is the chance to get inspired for your future trip to Japan! This is a great opportunity to see real Goshuin (temple and shrine stamps) and stylish Goshuincho (stamp books) up close. Mika will talk about Japanese deep and unique culture.
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
Mika Usuki is currently based at Plains Art Museum in Fargo, ND, as a coordinator with the Japan Outreach Initiative (JOI) program. The mission of this program is to foster cross-cultural understanding by engaging local American communities with Japan-themed activities, such as lectures, cultural workshops, school visits, and community events. Her efforts to share Japanese culture extend beyond ND and include MN as well.
Please note that registration will open on January 5, 2026.
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).
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.
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)
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:
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 24th 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.
A waitlist will be generated if the workshops fill.
Material: Clay and tools will be provided.
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
Presented by JASM Membership Committee
Please note that registration will open on January 11 and closed on February 9 at noon.
We invite you to join us for the first informal get-together 2026 at JASM Connects!
Wednesday, February 11 from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm Highland Park Community Center 1978 Ford Parkway, Saint Paul, MN 55116 (Google Maps)
Wednesday, February 11 from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Highland Park Community Center
1978 Ford Parkway, Saint Paul, MN 55116 (Google Maps)
JASM Connects is a relaxed opportunity to meet new people, catch up with old friends, and enjoy a casual conversation in any language. A sampling of hand rolled sushi will be generously provided by Sushi Avenue. There are no agendas, no formalities. Feel free to bring your meishi (business cards), though if you don’t have one, don’t worry — just come along and join the fun to mark Japan's holiday Feb. 11, National Foundation Day 建国記念の日 (Kenkoku Kinen no Hi).
Free for JASM members
This event is brought to you by JASM, the bridge-building organization between Minnesota and Japan. We look forward to seeing you there!
Sponsored by
On Sunday, February 15th, JASM will host J-Quiz 2026 online! Please mark your calendars! JASM’s J-Quiz 2026 is for anyone who is interested.
Stay Tuned for the Registration Opening Date!
One of JASM’s important missions is to support Americans who want to learn Japanese and get to know Japan more. And we know there are so many of you always studying and reading about Japan. As we hit our 50th Anniversary of our organization, we created this Japan-focused trivia for anyone who is learning about Japan.
Our goal for J-Quiz is to encourage people to continue their study of Japanese language and culture and have a place to share with like-minded people.
What is J-Quiz?
There will be 30 questions regarding Japan and Japanese languages. The participants can join these fun quizzes to test their knowledge of Japan!
This event also has information regarding the colleges that offer Japanese classes and cultural exhibition videos where experts will share their knowledge and skills with us! With Hopin’s “networking” function, you can meet and chat with people who are learning Japanese and share ideas or ask questions!
Here is a 15-minute video showcasing this fun event! Click the image below to take a look:
We look forward to seeing you!
JASM will award the Takuzo Ishida Memorial Scholarship to a student enrolled in a Minnesota high school who wants to broaden their knowledge of Japan through a combination of study and travel. The application deadline is now extended.
Please click here to read the application details.
2025 Timeline:
Past winner:
2025: Abdulla Abdulaziz and Pajtshiab Yang
2024: Bennie Tornoe (Click here to read her report on Tsushin Nov. 2024 issue on page 4)
2023: Walter Barlow (Click here to read his report on Tsushin Nov. 2023 issue on page 3)
If you would like to make a contribution to the Takuzo Ishida Memorial Scholarship's endowment, please click here.
Takuzo Ishida was a researcher, carpenter, chef, and bonsai enthusiast who served as President of JASM and Founder/Principal of the Minneapolis Japanese School. The Takuzo Ishida Memorial Scholarship was established in 2019 by Mr. Ishida’s family and friends to recognize his contributions to the Japanese community in Minnesota and to support his passion for youth education. (To read a special edition of the Tsushin dedicated to Mr. Ishida, please click here. )
jasm@mn-japan.org
P.O. Box 26639
Minneapolis, MN 55426
