On Monday, November 3, we held our Annual Dinner at Missouri Botanical Garden's beautiful Bayer Event Center. It was our largest annual dinner (at least in recent memory), with more than 140 people in attendance.

Guests were treated to a delicious meal of sushi and a plated Japanese meal courtesy of Taberu STL, remarks from recent JAS Study Scholarship recipient Grace Kahler, and a rousing taiko performance by family taiko group Peaceful Forest. President Greg Gorman provided a recap of the year's programs and accomplishments, and Honorary Consul Stephen Knapp presented our scholarship updates and recipients. We were also honored to receive remarks and a kanpai toast from Deputy Consul General of Japan Naoya Kishi, who travelled from Chicago to be with us.

The Japan America Society enjoyed the generous support of our corporate membership, community partners, and many individuals who made the evening possible through table sales, sponsorships, and auction donations.

We offer a sincere Thank You to everyone who attended or otherwise supported the 2025 Annual Dinner.