The 2024 Obon Festival will be on Sunday, August 18th at Como Park. We will look for volunteers starting in June/July.

Please find information below on the various booths you can volunteer at and make this event successful together!

(Picture: 2023 Obon Festival first shift volunteers)

• Calligraphy - assist calligraphy master and help people do calligraphy (previous experience with calligraphy preferred) 
  
  
• Yo-Yo Tsuri - a game where participants fish for floating balloons. Volunteers will need to organize booth, prepare water balloons, prepare hooks, and help run game. 
  
  
• Balloon Makers - help make balloons for Yo-Yo Tsuri 
  
  
• Kingyo sukui - our version will involve participants fishing for rubber fish with scoopers. Volunteers will need to prepare tubs of water, and help run game. 
  
  
• Japanese Quiz - conduct J-quiz by asking participants questions and encouraging participants
  
  
• Main Booth - sell variety of JASM merchandise and conduct membership outreach 

Everyone is welcome to volunteer, as long as you are 18 years or older. Both newcomers and experienced Obon volunteers are welcome!

** Please note that all volunteers need to attend a volunteer workshop before the festival to get necessary information.  Time and location to be determined.

We're looking forward to working with you!

Please save the date  for Obon Festival 2024 at Como Park on Sunday, August 18 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. 

Please stay turned for the update!

 　

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

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!

JASM will be holding our 3rd annual charity golf scramble event in September at Pioneer Creek Golf Course in Maple Plain, MN on September 21st.

Please save the date for this event!

We will announce the details as soon as we know.

Enjoy a fun day of competition with friends while supporting JASM. This event is limited to 72 participants. 

Please mark your calendars for the 2024 Mondale Award and Scholarship Gala will be held in person on Saturday, November 16th at the Oak Ridge Country Club in Hopkins.

Both the MondaleAward 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 2024 Annual Meeting  is scheduled on December 12th at 6:30 pm this year. The location is to be dermined.

At the meeting, we will be reflecting on the year as a whole and looking forward to next year. We’ll discuss additional ways we can further JASM’s  mission and will hold elections for board members.

Mark your calendar!