2016 Annual Dinner Features TOMODACHI, Auction, and More!

November 10, 2016

The Japan America Society of St. Louis held its Annual Dinner on Thursday, November 10 at Oishi Sushi and Steakhouse in Chesterfield. Nearly 70 attendees enjoyed a buffet of sushi and other traditional Japanese food, punctuated by Oishi's signature steakhouse teppanyaki fare.

The program for the evening featured a presentation by this year's TOMODACHI participants, awarding of the JAS's Friendship Award to loyal and tireless supporter Tony Salini, presentation of a $3000 donation to the Japanese Language School, and the election of a slate of officers and directors to the board.

The final portion of the program was a live auction of a variety of items, including fine Japanese dishes, yukata, sake, and Japanese "experiences." The experience items included a couple of fine dining opportunuties, language lessons, ikebana workshops, and a Japanese Festival package. The big-ticket item of the evening was a certificate for a pair of All Nippon Airlines tickets to Japan.

The event was a great success and everyone seemed to have a great time. One long-time attendee declared it "the best ever!"

All photos courtesy of Tony Salini

Ambassador Sasae, Congressman Long Discuss Direction of US-Japan Relations

October 11, 2016

More than 50 attendees came to an exclusive evening address and sushi and sake reception featuring talks by Ambassador Kenichiro Sasae and Missouri Congressman Billy Long about the importance and future of US-Japan relations. The event was hosted by Japan America Society corporate Gold Member, Nidec Motor Corporation in Ferguson, Missouri. Representatives from many other Japanese and Japan-related corporations and community organizations were also in attendance, as well as Missouri Senator Jim Talent and his wife.

Photos courtesy of Tony Salini

Introduction to Kimono Show at the 40th Annual Japanese Festival

September 3, 2016

Held in the Shoenberg Theater at the Missouri Botanical Garden, our Introduction to Kimono Show was enjoyed by a full audience. Ranging from the more casual Komon/小紋 to the extravagant Furisode/振袖, the audience enjoyed kimono worn by our ten models. As each type of kimono was described, the model walked around the stage for all to see the beautiful colors and designs of their robes and the intricacy of their obi belts. Also featured was a live demonstration of the difficult and impressive process of putting on a kimono.

Photos courtesy of V. Lim

A Celebration of Japanese Culture
at the Missouri History Museum

May 22, 2016

Our fourth annual “A Celebration of Japanese Culture” at the Missouri History Museum had a great turnout, drawing over 150 people. Visitors enjoyed both the beautiful May weather in Forest Park and a taste of Japanese culture inside the museum. Our friendly greeters, enthusiastic emcee, delicious refreshment, and attractive displays made all visitors feel welcome and at home. The skillful demonstrations of ikebana, tea ceremony, hair styling, and kimono modeling were accompanied by very interesting mini-lectures. The Q&A sessions were warm, lively, and even amusing at times. The special performances of Rakugo (sit-down comedy) drew much laughter. Both adults and children were mesmerized by the Kamishibai (folk storytelling). Of course, we also want to thank the Missouri History Museum for hosting and supporting our event.

All photos courtesy of Dan Lindsey

Faces like the Enemy

May 1, 2016

"Faces Like the Enemy” was a very important  learning experience. Dr. Linda Lindsey, Senior Lecturer of American Culture Studies at Washington University, gave a historical overview of the internment of Japanese Americans during WWII. Dave Shimamoto and Robin Hattori added personal perspectives through family stories and photos. The powerful and moving documentary film, “442: Live With Honor, Die With Dignity,” brought to light the little-known Japanese-American regiment that fought prejudice to become the most decorated US military unit in WWII. Special thanks to the Missouri History Museum for hosting this program.

All photos courtesy of Dan Lindsey

Women in the Japanese Workplace

April 28, 2016

Registration was filled up - and then some - for this informative talk on the current and future state of women in the Japanese workplace given by Professor Mitsuko Horiuchi on Apri 28. Thank you to all who attended and for the wonderful and engaging questions for Prrofessor Horiuchi.

Special thanks to the Sasakawa Peace Foundation USA and to UMSL's International Studies and Programs; Department of Sociology, Gerontology and Gender; and Department of Language and Cultural Studies for their support.

All photos courtesy of Chip Meyer

Japan Update: Tradition and Innovation in Beer and Sake

February 17, 2016

Thank You to everyone who made our Tradition and Innovation in Beer and Sake Japan Update event a resounding success. The event sold out two weeks in advance! 80 attendees heard three very interesting presentations on the history and philosophy of Urban Chestnut Brewing Company from Adam McBrady, and the history of Japanese sake brewing and current and projected trends in sake production and marketing from Timothy Sullivan and Katsuhiko Miyasaka. Following a lively Q and A, attendees enjoyed a sushi and beer reception and were able to sample six hard-to-get sakes provided by Miyasaka Brewing and Hakkaisan Brewing.

Special thanks to the Sasakawa Peace Foundation for funding this program and the National Association of Japan America Societies (NAJAS) for coordinating this special program.

Thanks also to our local co-hosts, including the St. Louis Regional Chamber, UMSL | International Studies and Programs, and Urban Chestnut

All photos courtesy of Tony Salini

2016 Shinnenkai

Sunday, January 17, 2016

We were honored to have Mr. Iwado, the Consul General of Japan at Chicago attend our 2016 Shinnenkai, as well as friends from our corporate sponsors—Nidec, Novus, Toyota Bodine Aluminum, ZOLTEK.  Everyone had a good time at Sushi Sen, enjoying the kagami-biraki breaking of the sake cask, osechi ryori traditional Japanese New Year foods, and the fukubukuro gift raffle. Happy New Year!


All photos courtesy of Dan Lindsey and Linda Austin


"Japan America Society of St. Louis" is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
University of Missouri - St. Louis
362 SSB
1 University Boulevard
St. Louis MO 63121-4400

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