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Connecting Japan and Minnesota over 50 years


The Japan America Society of Minnesota is a member-supported, non-profit organization established to promote mutual understanding and friendship between Japanese and US citizens. Through our programs and events, we endeavor to promote an appreciation of cultural, educational, economic, public, and other affairs of interest to both peoples. JASM also connects and supports Minnesota's seven Japanese sister cities, two Japanese-language Saturday schools, over 100 Japanese corporate subsidiaries, and a host of other organizations dedicated to Japan-related topics from Anime to Zen. JASM is open to individuals, corporations, and other organizations interested in supporting its mission. Founded in 1972, JASM is a member of the National Association of Japan-America Societies.


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Calendar

  • Mondale Scholarship 2025-2026 Application Open

    • 2025-04-01
    • 2025-07-27

    Mondale Scholarship applications open!


    The Japan America Society of Minnesota (JASM) will award the Mondale Scholarship to undergraduate students enrolled in Minnesota colleges or North Dakota State University who want to broaden their knowledge of Japan through a combination of study and travel. Former Ambassador Mondale continually promoted a deeper understanding of Japanese business, government, culture, and language among corporate leaders and employees in America. The Japan America Society of Minnesota is proud to have this opportunity to assist Minnesota/North Dakota students in their quest for a study experience in Japan since 1998.

    Picture from a Mondale Scholarship Recipient 2023-2024: Livvy Peters (second from right), Wearing Kimono with friends in Arashiyama, Kyoto
    The selection committee has the discretion to award up to $2,000 for each scholarship. In a typical year, between 3 and 5 scholarships are awarded. The awards are specifically to be used for travel to or within Japan before, during, or after the student’s specified term(s) of study.

    July 17, 2025 - Application Deadline

    July 27, 2025   - Send interview invitations to candidates

    Aug 8, 2025 - Complete interviews of candidates

    Aug 11, 2025 - Award scholarships
    Find out about what goes into the application, read testimonies from past Mondale Scholars, and get all the details here.
    Show details

  • Curator Talk: the World of Ukiyo-e Sumo Prints (ONLINE)

    • 2025-05-15
    • 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
    Register
    Edo Sanpukutsui is woodblock print art by Japanese Ukiyo-e artist Katsukawa Shunko, created in 18th century of the Edo period in Japanese history.  This ukiyo-e masterfully captures three of the biggest stars from Edo’s top entertainments of the time—kabuki theater, sumo wrestling, and the Yoshiwara pleasur

    Please join us for Curator Talk: the World of Ukiyo-e Sumo Prints on Thursday May 15 at 6:00 p.m. CST on Zoom where Curator Noriko Okubo will be joining from Okayama, Japan.

    Discover the fascinating world of Japanese ukiyo-e—the art form that captivated Europe and inspired the rise of Japonisme. In this special lecture, you'll have the rare opportunity to learn directly from a Japanese curator and dive deeper into the history, techniques, and cultural significance of ukiyo-e. Find out how these iconic woodblock prints were made, explore the unique artistic methods behind them, and gain insight into the lesser-known but powerful world of sumo-themed prints. 

    Non-Member: $10

    JASM Member: Free

    The ticket is not refundable, but is transferable



    Please consider donating to help JASM in its mission!


    Noriko Okubo is a member of the International Ukiyo-e Society and specializes in sumo-e prints depicting sumo wrestlers. She is an Associate Professor at the Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Okayama University in Okayama, Japan, and also holds a concurrent position as an Associate Professor at the Institute for Civilization Dynamics. Beyond the field of education, she is also dedicated to promoting the beauty of Ukiyo-e through lectures, media appearances, and other public engagement activities, contributing to the wider appreciation and understanding of Japanese art.

    She earned a Ph.D. in Art Studies from the University of Tsukuba in March 2009, following a Master's degree in Art Studies from the same institution in March 2006. She is also a member of several academic associations, including the European Association for Japanese Studies (EAJS), the Japanese Art Society of America, the International Ukiyo-e Society, the Japan Art History Society, Japanese Association of Art Education(JAAEd), and the University Art Education Society.

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  • JASM Connects - with MGK, A Company of Sumitomo Chemical

    • 2025-05-28
    • 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
    • MGK Company, 7325 Aspen Ln N, Minneapolis, MN 55428
    • 87
    • 8 registrants
    Register

    The Quarterly JASM Social

    We invite you to join us for an informal get-together on Wednesday, May 28th from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. 

    Sponsor : MGK Company, JASM Corporate Member

    7325 Aspen Ln N, Minneapolis, MN 55428



    JASM Connects is a relaxed opportunity to meet new people, catch up with old friends, and enjoy a casual conversation in any language.  There are no agendas, no formalities — just a short, fun presentation on MGK (and bugs!), followed by a lively exchange of ideas. Light appetizers and (non-alcoholic) drinks will be provided by MGK.  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!

    Please register 48 hours ahead of the event so we can print out a name badge for you.

    JASM members: Free

    Non-Members: $10 — apply for membership now! Simply scan the QR code or click here to join. The $10 fee will be credited toward your membership.


    This event is brought to you by JASM, the bridge-building organization between Minnesota and Japan. We look forward to seeing you there!

     

    Show details

  • Save the Date: JASM Connects - with Fredrikson & Byron

    • 2025-07-09
    • 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
    • 97

    The Quarterly JASM Social

    We invite you to join us for an informal get-together at JASM Connects!

    When: Wednesday, July 9 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm

    Sponsor: Fredrickson & Byron, JASM Corporate Member

    Who should attend: This event is open to all Japan America Society members, guests, and friends.


    JASM Connects is a relaxed opportunity to meet new people, catch up with old friends, and enjoy a casual conversation in any language. 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!

    Free for JASM members

    $10 for non-members — apply for membership now! Simply scan the QR code or click here to join. The $10 fee will be credited toward your membership.


    This event is brought to you by JASM, the bridge-building organization between Minnesota and Japan. We look forward to seeing you there!

     

    Show details

  • JASM Activities at Mia Family Day! (Exhibitor)

    • 2025-07-13
    • 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
    • 2400 3rd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55404
    • 75


    This picture is from last year's workshop


    Please join us for activities including a "Yosakoi Workshop" and Making Origami Sakura on Sunday, July 13th at the Mia Family Day!

    We are lucky to have this in-person dance workshop by the wonderful instructor, Ms. Maria Traxler, from the Kizuna International Yosakoi Team. 

    In this workshop, Ms. Traxler will introduce the Tokyo Ondo, a simple and fun dance that everyone can join in and enjoy together, regardless of age or experience!

    JASM will also be operating a booth for making paper Sakura flowers! This is to go alongside Mia's Hokusai | Monet Exhibition. Feel free to join us and make some pretty flowers. We will be building a large tree filled with Sakura together as a community.  


    This is a family-friendly event. No prior experience is necessary to participate. Please wear clothes that are easy to move in.


    This event will be a fun way to get some exercise and learn about a regional dance of Japan. Please sign up today! We are looking forward to seeing you there.

    Maria Traxler is a current member of the Kizuna International Yosakoi Team. She danced in the 2019 Kochi Yosakoi Festival as a Kizuna member, as well as in the 2015 Kochi Yosakoi Festival as a member of the Shimanto Town team Shimamuta.

    (Photo: Maria Traxler)


    You can watch the video from last year. 

    This event is free for all and open to the public!  

    Your donations are greatly appreciated!


    Show details

  • 2025 Japanese Obon Festival

    • 2025-08-17
    • 3:00 PM - 8:30 PM
    • Como Park Zoo and Conservatory

    Obon Festival 2025 ticket will be available at Como Park website.Please save the date for Obon Festival 2025 at Como Park on Sunday, August 17 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!

    To find the detail and purchase the 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

    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!

    Show details

  • Save the Date: JASM Connects - with Satellite Industries

    • 2025-10-29
    • 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
    • 97

    The Quarterly JASM Social

    We invite you to join us for an informal get-together at JASM Connects!

    When: Wednesday, October 29th from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm

    Sponsor: Satellite Industries, JASM Corporate Member

    Who should attend: This event is open to all Japan America Society members, guests, and friends.


    JASM Connects is a relaxed opportunity to meet new people, catch up with old friends, and enjoy a casual conversation in any language. 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!

    Free for JASM members

    $10 for non-members — apply for membership now! Simply scan the QR code or click here to join. The $10 fee will be credited toward your membership if you join.


    This event is brought to you by JASM, the bridge-building organization between Minnesota and Japan. We look forward to seeing you there!

     

    Show details

  • Save the Date for the 2025 Mondale Award and Scholarship Gala (in-person)

    • 2025-11-15
    • 5:30 PM - 9:00 PM
    • Oak Ridge Country Club 700 Oak Ridge Rd, Hopkins, MN 55305

    Please mark your calendars! The 2025 Mondale Award and Scholarship Gala will be held in person on Saturday, November 15th 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.

    Please keep an eye out for registration information which will come in September.




    Show details

  • Save the Date! Annual Meeting 2025 (In-Person)

    • 2025-12-11
    • 6:30 PM

    The 2025 Annual Meeting is scheduled on December 11th at 6:30 pm. The place is TBD.

    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.

    Please mark your calendar!


    Show details

  • JASM Community Engagements

    • 2025-12-20
    • 10:00 AM
    • 2025-12-31
    • 11:59 PM
    • Various locations



    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

    • Emperor's Birthday Celebration at The Consulate General of Japan in Chicago
    • Chinese New Year Celebration at The Century College



    March

    • Talking to the History of Comic Class at The Century College
    • Cultural demonstration at The St. Thomas Academy
    • Japanese language consultant at The History Theater
    • Cultural Demonstration at Anime Detour



    April

    • Attendee at the Cha-ami Library Opening Event
    • Cultural Demonstration at Cooper High School Culture Fest
    • Cultural Outreach at the University of Minnesota Japanese Class

    May

    • Cultural Support at the SPNSC Cherry Blossom Celebration
    • Company Visit with Hoya Vision

    June

    • Conference at the Midwest Forum - Consulate General of Japan in Chicago

    July

    • Presentation at Anoka County Library
    • Cultural Demonstrations at Mia Family Day



    Show details


THANKS TO OUR SUPPORTERS

JASM is supported by hundreds of individuals and over 40 Companies and Non-Profit Organizations. Special thanks to the following sponsors:

Corporate Benefactors


Daikin Applied 

Delta Air Lines, Inc.  

Taiyo International, Inc.

Corporate Patron


Dorsey & Whitney LLP

Miller Milling Company

MGK INC


Corporate Sustaining Members

 

HSML P.C.  

Japan Lifeline Co.Ltd

Mall of America

Metropolitan Airports Commission

Naigai Industries U.S.A. Inc. 

Satellite Industries, Inc.

Surdyk's Liquor & Cheese Shop

The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd.


Corporate Contributors


Satellite Industries, Inc. UMEI    


Partners in Service


JK's Table     Kiku Enterprises, Inc.     

Metoree   Minnesota Trade Office

Origami Restaurant     Sakura Restaurant

Saint Paul Saints Baseball Club     Saji-Ya Restaurant

Suishin Restaurant

TOMODACHI     Voyager Group Inc.



Nonprofit Members


Concordia Language Villages     Economic Club of Minnesota     Global Minnesota

JETAA Minnesota     JETRO Chicago     JP Network, St. Cloud State University

KCC-Japan Education Exchange     Macalester College Asian Language & Culture Department

Minneapolis Japanese School     Minneapolis Institute of Art

Minnesota Council of Teachers of Japanese     Minnesota Orchestra     

NDSU-Emily Reynolds Historic Costume Collection     Twin Cities Aikido Center

UMN Department of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies

University of North Dakota-Grand Forks     Winona State University Global Studies Dept.


Contact Us

 jasm@mn-japan.org


P.O. Box 26639

Minneapolis, MN 55426

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