Japan America Society of Minnesota

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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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2025 Annual Meeting (in-person)

When
2025-12-11

6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Location
1601 Utica Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55416

Spaces left
50

Register

The end of the year is just around the corner. It’s time for JASM’s Annual Meeting!

The 2025 Annual Meeting will be held on Thursday, December 11, at 6:30 p.m. at our Corporate Benefactor 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.

There will be special door prizes and light refreshments. 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.)

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JASM Community Engagements

Start
2025-12-20

10:00 AM

End
2025-12-31

11:59 PM

Location
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

Exhibitor at the Twin Cities West Metro Asian Fair

June

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

July

Presentation at Anoka County Library

Cultural Demonstrations at Mia Family Day

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Save the Date for J-Quiz 2026

When
2026-02-15

10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Location
Online

On Sunday, February 15th, JASM will host J-Quiz 2026 online! Please mark your calendars! JASM’s J-Quiz 2026 is for anyone who are interested.

Stay Tuned for the Registration Opening Date!

One of the 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 the knowledge of Japan!

This event also has information regarding the colleges who 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!

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2026 Takuzo Ishida Memorial Scholarship

Start
2026-02-28

11:30 PM

End
2026-03-01

11:30 PM

Location
TBD

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:

Start accepting applications: December 1, 2025

Deadline for applications: February 28, 2026

Finalists' interviews with scholarship committee members: During March 2026

Winner of the Scholarship will be notified: Early April 2026

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. )

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