Japan America Society of St. Louis News

2025 Annual Dinner Showcases Corporate, Community, and Individual Support

Christopher Meyer — Wed, 12 Nov 2025 18:15:38 GMT

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.

3rd Annual Sake Cocktail Contest Rewards Two Winners

Christopher Meyer — Wed, 12 Nov 2025 16:38:02 GMT

Congratulations to Chris Wagner and Heather McGhee, winners of the 3rd Annual JASSTL Sake Cocktail Contest! Platypus hosted the event on Sunday, October 19 and arranged perfect weather for us!

The annual contest is intended to highlight the versatility and adaptability of Japanese sake as a cocktail ingredient. This year, we added a "People's Choice" element to the contest, allowing ticket holders to taste each of the five cocktails and vote for their favorite. Heather McGhee's (of The Royale) Go Touch Grass proved the most popular, while Chris Wagner's (of Platypus) Melon Baller, Shot Caller earned the "Judges' Selection" prize.

McGee's Go Touch Grass featured Kawatsuru Olive Junmai-Ginjo Sake, olive-oil-washed Citadelle dry gin, lemongrass, and cucumber. The drink was served warm with a cool cocktail foam garnish and came with a sake-glazed cookie (perhaps showing that The People can be bribed as well as judges).

Wagner's Melon Baller, Shot Caller featured Tozai's Snow Maiden nigori (unfiltered) sake, Citadel dry gin, honeydew melon, lemon, celery bitters, and egg white. Wagner said he wanted to pair a couple of underdogs in his cocktail: sake is underrated outside of Japan, while honeydew is the "last pick of a fruit salad."

We are planning to bring this contest back for a fourth year on Sunday, April 19, 2026.

Successful Tea Ceremony with Safety National

Fri, 06 Sep 2024 18:28:04 GMT

Last week, JASSTL provided a Chado (tea ceremony) presentation for one of our corporate sponsors, Safety National. We are happy to work with our sponsors to provide unique cultural programs for their employees and admins to enjoy.

Japanese Decorations Conferred upon Dr. Chikako Usui for her Outstanding Contribution to Japan-U.S. Relations

Christopher Meyer — Fri, 02 Aug 2024 19:38:27 GMT

This spring, the Government of Japan announced that past president and current chairperson of the Japan America Society of St. Louis (JASSTL), Dr. Chikako Usui, has been selected as a recipient of the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays for her contribution in strengthening relations between the United States and Japan.

The government announcement cited Dr. Usui's "significant contributions to Japan-U.S. cultural relations and... activities introducing Japanese culture on the grassroots level through her proactive involvement in the St. Louis-Ishinomaki City cultural exchange program, the 'Japan Update' Business Lecture Series, as well as the Japanese Festival hosted at the Missouri Botanical Garden."

Dr. Usui is also a high-ranking Ikenobo Ikebana instructor who has held workshops throughout the Missouri area, fostering a love for Ikebana and Japanese culture in many people. Furthermore, as an associate professor of sociology, Dr. Usui has taught classes on Japan-related topics including Japanese economics at the University of Missouri - St. Louis and Washington University, and she has written various publications on Japan.

We at JASSTL join with the Consulate-General of Japan in Chicago in celebrating Dr. Usui's remarkable achievement, representing the diversity and depth of relations between Japan and the United States.

Buder in Bloom with St. Louis Public Library

Sat, 18 May 2024 15:00:00 GMT

We joined the Buder Branch of the St. Louis Public Library for their debut festival, Buder in Bloom for cultural showcases. This event was free and welcomed anyone who came in order to celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islanders Heritage Month.

Lindenwood Shodo, Kado, and Chado

Thu, 09 May 2024 15:25:36 GMT

On March 13th and 20th this year, Lindenwood University hosted Shodo, Kado and Chado sessions to help educate people on traditional Japanese culture. The event was a success and recorded in the video below.

Calligraphy with Seiran

Thu, 09 May 2024 15:22:33 GMT

St. Louis Fude no Kai was founded on January 2017, in response to the energy and passion of Seiran Chiba, a Japanese calligrapher from Fukushima. Seiran has visited St. Louis every year since 2013 to participate in the Japanese Festival at the Missouri Botanical Garden.

Fude no Kai meets once a month. In addition to the Japanese language-based Thursday sessions, we are now offering English-friendly sessions on the second Saturday of each month. If you are new to the Japanese calligraphy and English instructions are preferred, please come to the Saturday sessions. Everyone is welcome to try this ancient art! (Saturday sessions are also open to those who are not able to come on Thursdays.)

On May 2nd, 2024, Fude no Kai with support from the Japan America Society, hosted "Calligraphy with Seiran" in which 30 people attended, making the event a success.

JAS Study Scholarship

Christopher Meyer — Wed, 07 Feb 2024 21:46:52 GMT

The Japan America Society of St. Louis continues its study scholarship for the second year. To apply, applicants must complete this form by February 25, 2024.

This scholarship is offered to support study in Japan. and could be used for a high-school exchange trip, a university semester abroad, or even a course of independent study. As long as there is a clear educational objective, we will consider the application.

Sake and Sakura at MOBOT April 5

Christopher Meyer — Tue, 06 Feb 2024 22:22:06 GMT

We are again partnering with Missouri Botanical Garden (MOBOT) to bring you Sake and Sakura on April 5, 2024. Tickets and more information are available on the MOBOT website.

Join the Japanese tradition of o-hanami (flower viewing) under the lush beauty of blooming cherry trees (sakura) by sipping sake. Specialists will be on hand to guide your sake sampling adventure. Attendees will receive a keepsake masu tasting cup and will have the rare opportunity to explore the Japanese Garden's Teahouse Island.

Some samples are included in the admission, but additional sake and traditional Japanese cuisine will also be available for purchase. This event is for guests age 21 and older, obviously.

Sake Cocktail Contest to Return in 2024!

Christopher Meyer — Mon, 05 Feb 2024 21:54:24 GMT

The Sake Cocktail Contest we inaugurated last year will return on April 15, 2024!

Bartenders in MO and IL are encouraged to submit your creations by March 14, 2024. See this submission guide for rules and links to the submission form.

The event will be held at Platypus in The Grove and will feature a panel of 4 judges, cash prizes, and tons of fun! Look for tickets to go on sale soon.

JAS President Greg Gorman Awarded 2023 Foreign Minister’s Commendation

Christopher Meyer — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 20:53:21 GMT

On Saturday, January 20, an Award Ceremony for the 2023 Foreign Minister’s Commendation was held at the Japan America Society of St. Louis (JASSTL) Shinnenkai in honor of our president, Greg Gorman. The Foreign Minister’s Commendation was presented to Mr. Gorman by Consul-General Jun Yanagi.

Mr. Gorman was recognized for his outstanding contributions in promoting Japanese culture in the U.S. and fostering friendly relations and mutual understanding between Japan and the U.S. During his tenure as a director and then as president since 2018, Mr. Gorman has led various JASSTL events. With his network and experience working for Japanese companies, he has spear-headed Japan-U.S. business exchanges and seminars, and contributed to the annual Japanese Festival, sake tasting events, and many others. He has strengthened JASSTL as an organization and furthered deeper cooperation with local Japan-related organizations.

Consul-General Yanagi delivered congratulatory remarks and presented the certificate and commemorative gift awarded by the Foreign Minister to Mr. Gorman, with family, friends, colleagues, and JAS members in attendance to witness this significant award.

Sake Tasting Sandbox Series Kicks-Off

Tue, 24 May 2022 18:16:24 GMT

We had a great kick-off to our "Sake Tasting Sandbox Series" on Thursday at Parker's Table. Originally limited to just 20 seats, we had such a positive response we expanded and eventually had 27 people registered!

Attendees tasted 5 different sakes from different regions of Japan. Professional sommelier Patricia Wamhoff led a deep-dive into the world of sake, including history, nomenclature, grades, production methods, flavors profiles, and much more.

Thanks to Lohr Distributing and Darryl Vennard of Vine Connections for their help in acquiring the delicious sakes and in supporting this event, and especially to the Japan Foundation Center for Global Partnership for funding our sake tasting series.

Red Lantern Night Market

Mon, 14 Jun 2021 15:33:08 GMT

We were excited to co-sponsor the Red Lantern Night Market put on by Izakaya Club on June 11 and 12. The market exceeded all expectations, selling out the capacity of 350 people each night ahead of the event.

Part bazaar, part carnival, part party, this Red Lantern Night Market was hosted by Mad Art Gallery and featured street food (takoyaki, yakitori, onigiri, Japanese sandos, and more!) as well as beer and boutique cocktails, unique retail, authentic Japanese cultural experiences, and music and entertainment. Takashima Records DJ'd the events all night, with breaks for the crowd-arresting thumping bass of St. Osuwa Taiko performances.

Japan America Society of St. Louis provided three of the most popular experiences of the event. Guests stood in line for hours to have their fortunes told by Dr. Chikako Usui, who provided uranaishi (street-side fortune teller) services. Yuko Kitajima's Matcha Society (Ai-Ko-Kai) of St. Louis performed tea ceremony demonstrations in the venue's small jail cells-turned-chashitsu. They always had a line to get in and sold out both nights! And Hiroko Yoshii demonstrated shodo to guests into the wee hours of the morning.

Izakaya Club is sharing proceeds from the event with JAS and the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL). The event was a huge success and rumor has it, they are planning another one for late summer or early fall. Be on the lookout for details as that comes together.

New Student Assistant Hired

Mon, 17 May 2021 16:37:15 GMT

The JASSTL has hired a new student assistant, Joel Fecke. Joel is currently a student at UMSL pursuing his master's degree in Economics. He received his B.S. in Mechanical Engineer from Mizzou. Joel is coming to us from SpaceX, where he worked for 5 years as a Test Equipment Reliability Engineer. He is originally from Missouri and grew up in LaMonte, MO.

Japanese Cultural Programming Page Goes Live

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 04:21:34 GMT

If your school or group would like a Cultural Presentation, go to our new Japanese Cultural Programming page, found here.

JAS works with many independent presenters and groups and can provide referrals or help arrange programs for schools, communities, libraries, and other organizations.

Who can request these activities? Schools, libraries, museums, groups of ten or more, and other organizations may request a presentation, demonstration, or hands-on activity of the options below.

Is there a fee? Some performers or groups may be contacted directly and may require a performance fee, negotiated on a case by case basis. For JAS-coordinated programs, JAS appreciates modest donations to cover gratuities.

Go to our new page to view descriptions of the activities and presentations available. Fill out the form at the bottom of the page to request a presentation! Click here to take a look!

Kakehashi Program Applications

Sun, 08 Dec 2019 22:46:19 GMT

Kakehashi Program Applications for the Japan Cultural Immersion Program are now available.

The program runs from Mar 2-10, 2019. Applications are due by Dec 13, 2019.

For more information on the program, requirements, and how to apply, please click here.

Applications for the 2020 JET Program Now Available

Sun, 29 Sep 2019 20:01:18 GMT

Applications for the Japanese Government's 2020 Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program are now available. Online applications are available here: https://www.jetapplication.com The deadline is Friday, November 15th.

The Japan Information Center will also be holding a JET Program Information Session on Saturday, October 12 from 12-3pm in downtown Chicago.

For more information on the applications or the information session, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/1146417092225366/

Japanese American Citizens League - Kakehashi Project

Wed, 11 Sep 2019 18:42:22 GMT

The Japanese American Citizens League are offering the Kakehashi project and a trip to Japan (Dec 16-24)! December applications are now available. Up to 92 participants will be selected to go on a 9-day trip to Japan. While in Japan, participants will visit a number of historical and educational sites, experience traditional and cultural activities, and participate in lectures and workshops.

Requirements:

Must be interested in Japan-U.S. relations
Must be of Japanese ancestry
Currently enrolled in community college, undergraduate, graduate, or young professionals who have an undergraduate or graduate degree
Must have U.S. permanent resident status and travel with a U.S. passport
Must be at least 18 years old by the date of acceptance into the program and no older than 25
Japanese dual citizens under the age of 22 may apply
Those who have participated in Kakehashi or other programs funded by the Japanese government are ineligible
Those who have studied or stayed in Japan for over a year are ineligible
You do not need to be a JACL member to be eligible

Don's miss out on this great opportunity! Apply by September 22nd, 2019!

For more information, please click here.

MEXT Research Student Scholarship now available!

Wed, 08 May 2019 20:05:01 GMT

The Japan Information Center is delighted to announce that applications for the 2020 Japanese Government MEXT Research Student Scholarship are now available! This scholarship provides for college graduates to conduct an independent research project at a university in Japan under the supervision of a professor for 18 to 24 months. Any field of study is eligible for the scholarship, but applicants must find a professor at a Japanese university willing to supervise their research.

"Being able to further my education in Japan has truly been an experience of a lifetime." -Catherine Shasteen, MEXT Research Scholar and PhD candidate at the University of Tokyo (click the link to read Ms. Shasteen’s full account)

The application is available online at the Study Japan website: https://www.studyjapan.go.jp/jp/smap_stopj-applicationsruts.html. Applications are due on Wednesday, June 5^th. Applications should be submitted to the Japan Information Center in Chicago (737 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1000; Chicago, IL 60611).

Those who pass the initial application screening will be asked to sit for an interview and Japanese language exam at the Japan Information Center in Chicago on Tuesday, June 11^th. Final selection will come from MEXT in February, with scholarship recipients departing for Japan in April or September of 2020.

Please feel free to pass this information along to your students and colleagues. For more information, please see the MEXT Scholarship website (https://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/mext.html), or the Study in Japan website (http://www.studyjapan.go.jp/en/).

Free Japanese Language Presentation on International Politics, Business

Wed, 19 Sep 2018 17:14:03 GMT

St. Louis Japan Society and St. Louis Japan-America Society will present Mr. Atsushi Niigata from the Mizuho Research Institute to speak about international politics and business in the Trump era. This event will take place on Thursday, October 11 from 2-4 pm in the Schoenberg Theater at the Missouri Botanical Garden. To access the PDF flyer, click here.

Update from George Arbanas, Participant in 2014 St. Louis-Ishinomaki Friendship Program

Wed, 08 Aug 2018 14:11:21 GMT

George Arbanas was 15 when he participated in the 2014 St. Louis-Ishinomaki Friendship Program. He is currently working as a summer intern with a company called Education First. George was able to meet with his host family from the exchange in March of this year. Please see his message below.

"Usui-sensei,

Hello again! I’m emailing you while on the Shinkansen to Sendai — I was able to take some time off from my internship this week to visit everyone in Ishinomaki! Looking at memories on Facebook, it’s hard to believe I was there last 4 years ago. As today is the start of the Kawabiraki Matsuri, I’m feelig quite nostalgic already. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone again, and I’ll send photos when I’m able!

Thank you again for allowing me to be a part of the TOMODACHI project. To say that it has changed my life would be an understatement. I’m hoping to become fluent enough in Japanese to be able to join a company in Tokyo once I graduate, and I would have never been able to make such a decision had I not visited Ishinomaki and Sendai with TOMODACHI. So thank you again!

Sincerely,

George Arbanas"

Photographs Courtesy of Hiroshi Abe

Congratulations to Dr. Chikako Usui on her Connector of the Year Award

Wed, 23 May 2018 13:25:46 GMT

"There is a 'before Chikako, and after Chikako' when it comes to the JAS."

The Japan America Society's Chairman (and former president for 10 years) was recognized this year by the Asian American Chamber of Commerce in St. Louis (AACC) for the Connector of the Year Award. Each year, the AACC has a connection dinner to reflect on the accomplishments of the Asian community in St Louis. We are very proud to have Dr. Usui to work with the Japan America Society and also the larger Japanese community in St. Louis. Congratulations Dr. Chikako Usui!

TOMODACHI Exchange Still Strengthening US-Japan Connections

Christopher Meyer — Mon, 09 Apr 2018 14:55:32 GMT

George Arbanas - one of the students in the first group of American students to travel to Ishinomaki back in 2014 - recently revisited Japan and returned with some wonderful news about the ongoing benefits of the TOMODACHI Program.

On Japan, George reconnected and spent a weekend with the Hayashi family, who hosted him at the end of the TOMODACHI trip four years ago. Unfortunately, due to a snowstorm that hit a large part of Japan that weekend, he was unable to travel to Ishinomaki and visit everyone there. However, George also learned that he has been awarded a summer internship at a company called Education First in Tokyo. He will return to Japan at the beginning of the summer 2018 and intends to take a personal trip to Ishinomaki following the end of his internship..

This report from one of the TOMODACHI alumni is a welcome affirmation of the exchange program as a fulfillment of the mission of both JAS and the TOMODACHI Initiative. Way to go, George!

This Year's Spring Japan Update: Urban Farming and Gardening in Japan and the United States

Mon, 26 Feb 2018 14:38:29 GMT

JAS presented its spring Japan Update program featuring three expert speakers on urban agriculture. Professor Eiji Goto of Chiba University spoke about trends and technology in factory farming in Japan, highlighting the efficiencies and financial aspects of the industry. St. Louis's own Mary Ostafi of Urban Harvet STL focused on the specific efforts and adaptations required for urban farming in St. Louis and the broader social impact of this trend. And, Kevin Erickson of Loyola University in Chicago presented an overview of the challenges and opportunities of urban agriculture, from small-scale community gardens to the latest advances in aqua- and aeroponics. About 70 people braved the wind and rain to hear our speakers and enjoy our signature sushi and sake receptions afterward in the gorgeous lobby of Novus Internationl, Inc., one of JAS's corporate members who generously hosted the event.

Making It & Breaking It in Japan

Thu, 15 Feb 2018 21:00:00 GMT

JAS and UMSL's office of International Studies & Programs, the Department of Language and Cultural Studies, and the Japan-America Student Association hosted Dr. Steven Gan for a free talk and book signing chronicling his amazing experience. Mr. Gan ran a highly successful debt collection business in Japan for 12 years - the first foreign-owned business of its kind in Japan. He told the riveting story of starting his business organically and growing it to employ 30 people. His business was so successful, he drew the attention of the media, but also the ire of his competition, which used an obscure and ambiguous clause in the law to shutter his company. He now has a consulting business in Chicago, Stellar Risk Management. Following his talk, he took questions from the audience and offered auto graphed copies of his book, "Making it and Breaking it in Japan" for sale to about 30 audience members.

St. Louis Japanese Language School's upcoming Shinnenkai

Tue, 30 Jan 2018 01:36:59 GMT

Noriko McLeer, the president of the St. Louis Japanese Language School, wrote a letter of thanks to the Japan America Society St. Louis for our continuing support of the school through our annual fundraising golf tournament in September. Ms. McLeer invites all to attend the upcoming Shinnenkai (New Year celebration) at the language school on Feb 3, please see the 2018 New Year Celebrarion for Friends .pdf and Map 新年会マップ 2017.pdf

Successful Shinnenkai leading into an exciting 2018

Fri, 26 Jan 2018 19:13:58 GMT

The Japan America Society of St. Louis began the new year with a wonderful Shinnenkai at Sushi Sen in Lake Saint Louis on January 21. This year's Shinnenkai was well-attended, including Deputy Consul General of Japan from Chicago, Kenji Tanaka, and three full tables of our corporate members Nidec, Novus, and CSI. Once again, our attendees had the pleasure of hearing the insights of guest speaker Dave Lowry, an expert on Japanese culture. This year, Dave spoke of the concepts of omote, or "surface-level meaning," and ura, or "deep meaning." He explained this in the context of some interesting unpublicized (ura) Shinto practices concerning the emperor, as well as practices concerning the coming and unprecedented abdication, as Emperor Akihito will "retire" on April 30 and Crown Prince Naruhito will become the new emperor.

Deputy Consul General of Japan Tanaka spoke in glowing terms of JASSTL's commitment to strengthening relations between St. Louis and Japan, and in particular outgoing JAS President Dr. Chikako Usui's tremendous efforts and successes in strengthening the JAS in St. Louis. Dr. Usui retired at the end of 2017 and now serves as Chairman of the Board. So this year's event was also the first in 10 years to feature a new president, Mr. Greg Gorman of Nidec Motor Corporation.

Of course, no JAS Shinnenkai would be complete without the kagami-biraki (sake barrel opening ceremony), a raffle of fukubukuro bags, and Chef Ken's osechi ryori - special New Year's meal (and sake!). This is always a treat, and a good time was had by all!

To view more photo's from this event please click here.

Japanese Cultural Program at the Library

Fri, 26 Jan 2018 15:15:45 GMT

At the request of the St. Louis Public Library, JAS arranged a presentation at the Schlafly branch in January about Seijin-shiki, the Japanese Coming of Age celebration. Seijin-shiki is the second Monday of January, a national holiday in Japan to honor and celebrate 20-year-olds as adults. They gain the right to vote and are of legal age to drink alcohol. Our speaker modeled the elegant, long-sleeved furisode kimono worn by young women and showed a video and slides of family photos from her special day. After the presentation, several women in the audience enjoyed trying on kimono and yukata. JAS was pleased to partner with the library to share Japanese culture.

New Leadership Team Well-Positioned to Continue Success of JAS

Tue, 02 Jan 2018 20:17:50 GMT

With the New Year, a new leadership team is assuming responsibility for the Japan America Society of St. Louis as Dr. Chikako Usui steps down after 10 years leading a period of tremendous growth of the JAS. Dr. Usui was the longest-serving president in the society's history and her tenure saw greatly increased activity in programs and services rendered to the people of St. Louis, as well as membership.

Perhaps most important, though, Dr. Usui has implemented a transition plan to continue the success of the JAS and the new leadership team is a highly dedicated and well-qualified group. Greg Gorman takes over as president of the JAS. Greg is an executive at Nidec Motor Corporation who brings a great depth of knowledge about the financial aspects of the organization. He is both knowledgeable and well-respected in the Japanese community. Kenichi Kitajima steps in as 1st Vice President. Mr. Kitajima also brings a strong business acumen as an executive with Novus Corporation. He is likewise dedicated to the growth and activity of the JAS. Linda Austin continues as 2nd Vice President. Ms. Austin has served the JAS and JAS Women’s Asociation (JASWA) for many years. She is quite involved with cultural and social programming and brings a professional knowledge of marketing to bear on the efforts of the JAS. And, her long experience serves as an invaluable institutional memory of the society. Another Japanese executive, Toshio Kitamura of CIS Leasing, steps into a leadership role as 3rd Vice President. Mr. Kitamura arrived in St. Louis from Tokyo in 2015 and became a highly dedicated member of JAS. With this executive leadership team, the JAS should be well-positioned for strong transitions in the foreseeable future.

In addition to the president and succession of vice-presidents, the JAS also importantly strengthened its treasurer position with the addition of Ron Sakai, an accountant with Wells Fargo. Mr. Sakai brings the knowledge and experience of accounting matters that will be essential to demonstrating financial strength to our constituent, sponsors, and donors. Ron is also Japanese American with a history of involvement in the community. He will be crucial to the ongoing success of the JAS.

2018 will be a year of change and transition at the Japan America Society, but with the planning and hard work Dr. Usui has put into place to secure a strong leadership team, everyone at JAS is optimistic about our prospects for even more success this year. Happy New Year!

UCBC Konomi presented to Japanese Consul General for Bavaria

Fri, 22 Dec 2017 15:51:43 GMT

The collaboration between JAS and Urban Chestnut Brewing Company is making its way around the world! Simon Westermair, the Marketing & Facility Manager for UCBC's German brewery, presented Japan's Consul General for Bavaria and Baden Württemberg, Hon. Tetsuya Kimura, with two bottles ofKonomi - the beer Urban Chestnut brewed this year for the Japan America Society's 50th Anniversary. Consul General Kimura was reportedly very happy about the gift and collaboration and sends his wishes for a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to St. Louis!

St. Louis Ishinomaki Friendship Program Fulfilling the "TOMODACHI" Mission

Fri, 22 Dec 2017 15:41:54 GMT

Two former participants in the St. Louis-Ishinomaki Friendship Program are planning trips back to Japan in the coming year, continuing to fulfill the mission of the Program and the Japan America Society. Under the program, 11 American students in all traveled to Ishinomaki, Japan; visited areas devastated by the 2011 tsunami; participated in home-stays; experienced Japan and its culture; made many friends; and brought their experience back to St. Louis with them. Now, two of those students are deepening their Japan connection with their own trips back to Ishinomaki.

George Arbanas (left) was one of six participants in 2014 to travel to Japan. Since then, George has volunteered for the JAS, sustained his interest in Japan, and maintained contact with many of the people he met. He is now a sophomore at St. Olaf College and will be traveling back to Japan in January 2018. During his trip, he will visit his host family and several of the students in Ishinomaki with whom he has remained friends. "I’m very excited to return to Japan, and I’m very much looking forward to reconnecting with the people I met as a part of the TOMODACHI program."

Christian Ragain (right) was one of the five students who made the TOMODACHI trip in 2016. He is planning his return in June of 2018. During this trip, he will spend some time in Tokyo and then will travel to Ishinomaki to visit his host family. When asked about his upcoming trip, Christian said, “I’m super excited to go back! I remember how quickly I was learning Japanese while staying there, so I’m excited to learn more during my second visit! I cannot wait to see my old host family as well as my school’s old exchange student... I cannot wait to visit Tokyo for the first time, and I hope to immerse myself as much as possible in the Japanese culture even more than I was able to in the two weeks I spent there with the TOMODACHI program!”

This St. Louis Ishinomaki Friendship Program was created under the auspices of the TOMODACHI Initiative (http://usjapantomodachi.org/), which was created to support Japan’s recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake of March 11, 2011. The Japan America Society of St. Louis created and organized the program with funding from TOMODACHI and the National Association of Japan America Societies (NAJAS). In addition to the trips to Japan in 2014 and 2016, the JAS also organized visits to St. Louis by Japanese students and adults in 2013 and 2015. They participated in the Japanese Festival at the Missouri Botanical garden, experienced American and St. Louis culture through baseball and other activities, and enjoyed homestays for the duration of their stays. The mission of the program was to invest in the next generation of Japanese and American people and deepen relations between the two countries through grassroots-level and people-to-people exchanges. In George and Christian, we see this mission being fully realized!

A very Successful Annual Dinner

Fri, 10 Nov 2017 19:44:03 GMT

Our 50th anniversary Annual Dinner was our most successful fundraising dinner yet. We sold out our capacity quickly thanks to corporate table sponsorships by CSI Leasing, Nidec, and Novus and the tremendous support of our general members.

Seventy-four people gathered to enjoy a huge spread of Japanese dishes and sushi and to meet and enjoy one another’s company. The event was a great success filled with many surprises. Mayor Lyda Krewson proclaimed November 7th, 2017, as “Dr. Chikako Usui Day” in St. Louis in honor of her retirement as president of the Japan America Society of St. Louis for the past 10 years. Dr. Usui was also surprised by many wonderful gifts presented to her. She said she “will use her new vases at the ikebana demonstration at our festival next year.”

We also presented a $3000 donation to the St. Louis Japanese Language School, a Friendship Award to Ms. Hiromi Ishida for her dedication and support of the St. Louis Ishinomaki Friendship Program of the previous four years, and a Distinguished Service Award to retiring president Dr. Usui for her incredible achievements of the past 10 years..

To draw a successful evening to a close, we held our annual live auction. Several generous donors provided a varied array of 20 items, including Japanese sake, traditional Japanese lacquerware and other crafts, sports memorabilia, event tickets, high-end electronics, small-batch local food, and fashion articles. The centerpiece of the auction was a one-of-a-kind, hand-embroidered, silk uchikake (formal wedding kimono).

Welcome Mr. Kazuhiko Kanno

Tue, 24 Oct 2017 20:08:17 GMT

Let’s welcome Mr. Kazuhiko Kanno 官野一彦 from Chiba, Japan, to our friendly sports town, St. Louis. Kazuhiko is a wheelchair rugby player whose team won the bronze medal in the 2016 Paralympics. Thanks to generous American host families and the St. Louis Rugby Spartans, he has just begun serious training, aiming at a gold medal in 2020 Paralympics in Tokyo.

Urban Chestnut’s new Konomi beer honors Japan America Society of St. Louis

Thu, 14 Sep 2017 16:08:09 GMT

In an unusual partnership, Urban Chestnut Brewing Company of St. Louis and Miyasaka Brewing of Suwa City, Japan, have collaborated to craft a unique beer with sake influence to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Japan America Society of St. Louis (JASSTL). The beer, named “Konomi,” will make its debut at this year’s Japanese Festival at the Missouri Botanical Garden over Labor Day weekend.

How did this partnership come about? In 2016, the JASSTL and Urban Chestnut partnered and presented a unique beer and sake tasting event. As both beer and sake are made through a fermentation process, the JASSTL put on an event with speakers from both brewing traditions. UCBC’s Adam McBrady explained their brewing philosophy as well as the beer brewing process and its history. In comparison, Katsuhiko Miyasaka of Miyasaka Brewing explained the brewing and traditions of sake as well as the history of the nearly three and a half centuries that the Miyasaka family has been brewing. Coming from breweries with a veneration for the past as well as an eye to the future, the two speakers found much in common, and they decided to remain in contact should future opportunities to work together present themselves. When Adam was approached by Dr. Chikako Usui, President of the JASSTL, and her associate Chip Meyer regarding the possibility of UCBC making a special beer for the upcoming 50th anniversary, they realized this was a unique opportunity to bring the St. Louis and Suwa cities and breweries together in celebration.

Miyasaka Brewing is based in St. Louis’ sister city of Suwa, in the mountainous Nagano prefecture west of Tokyo. Brewed by the Miyasaka family since 1662, their Masumi sake (meaning transparency, or truth) is highly regarded. It was also at their brewery where the world’s most popular sake yeast strain, “Brewing Association Yeast #7” was first discovered and isolated. After discussing the elegance of a sister cities collaboration to celebrate JASSTL’s 50 th anniversary, Miyasaka very generously sent Urban Chestnut some of their home yeast to brew the new beer.

Urban Chestnut’s Brewing and QA team went to work studying how best to work with the special yeast. Initial tests indicated that the home yeast gave the beer a fruity, mellow flavor, and the ultimate consensus was to replace a portion of the grain bill with rice and focus on making a light and refreshing beer suitable for the warm days of the Japanese festival. In homage to the Missouri Botanical Garden, a decision was made to include ceremonial grade matcha in small quantities to the beer. This addition gives the beer a slight essence of the intense, powdered green tea without overwhelming or competing with the Belgian-like characteristic of the yeast.

A call was sent out to select individuals to seek their expertise in naming the beer. The ultimate choice was Konomi , which means “to like,” or “to favour.” Dave Lowry, an expert on Japanese culture, suggested this name as in the tea ceremony konomi means “a creative impulse that enlivens something in a new way.”

The Japanese Festival was Saturday through Monday on Labor Day weekend at the Missouri Botanical Garden. Konomi beer was available in the food court at the Japan America Society beer and sake booth. See the Garden’s website for more information about the festival.

http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/

Konomi - 好み

Another Successful Japanese Festival

Thu, 14 Sep 2017 16:06:10 GMT

September 2- 4, 2017

Thank you to all who attended the Japanese festival, this year we had the second highest record of attendance coming in at 39,764! It was special to us at JAS because it was a part of our 50-year anniversary Celebration!

This year our Tee Shirt booth featured multiple shirts including our 2017 Japanese Festival tee shirt with danchiku 暖竹(giant cane of Bamboo), the five virtues of Bushido and beautiful calligraphy for Flower.

Urban Chestnut teamed up with Masumi Sake to make a perfect beer, Konomi 好み, for a hot summers day. This was our first year selling draught beer and it was a great success! It was so widely enjoyed that our last cup sold before 2PM on Monday. Thank you again Urban Chestnut for collaborating with Masumi Sake to make this tasty beer for the 50^th anniversary of the Japan America Society of St. Louis.

Thank you Dr. Chikako Usui for the wonderful Ikebana demonstration that was standing room only.

First Annual Trivia Night

Sat, 17 Jun 2017 13:49:35 GMT

Thank you to our 152 participants, many sponsors, and volunteers for making our first Trivia Night, at St. Louis College Prep, a great success! In particular, we would like to thank Steve Mitori (Emcee), Lohr Distributing, Summit Distributing, JACL, JASWA, Wells Fargo, Novus, CSI Leasing, SSSCC, Hitomi & Tony Salini, OCA, St. Louis Development Partnership and the International Institute for supporting our event.

Congratulations to International Institute on winning our first annual Trivia Night!

Partnership with St. Louis Art Museum Continues to Be Fruitful

Sun, 21 May 2017 13:42:51 GMT

May 21, 2017

Following our successful partnership from last year, Japan America Society and the St. Louis Art Museum collaborated on the "Passport to Japan" Family Sunday program. Visitors to the museum enjoyed a hands-on origami workshop, several bon odori (including several with audience participation), taiko, and a lion dance. We look forward to bringing this program back next May.

Celebrating with the Missouri History Museum

Sun, 07 May 2017 13:47:08 GMT

Our Celebration of Japanese Culture was another successful partnership with the Missouri History Museum – our fifth! Despite the beautiful weather enticing everyone outside, many people came inside to learn about Japanese culture and traditions. We received compliments and thank-yous from appreciative attendees.

The Japan America Society of St. Louis thanks the Missouri History Museum and everyone who attended this event—performers, speakers, volunteer assistants, our JASWA friends, and our many guests. This was a wonderful experience of learning and celebrating and sharing the richness of Japanese heritage.

The JAS mission is to promote friendship and understanding between the people of Japan and the US. We support those who are learning Japanese arts as well as those with years of expertise. Thanks to a grant from Boeing, we can expand our mission of sharing culture and nurturing local talent.

JAS President, Dr. Chikako Usui, Receives Foreign Ministry Award and National Association Honor

Christopher Meyer — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 22:17:29 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Chip Meyer
Tel. 636-221-0926
Email: cmeyer@jasstl.org
Date: 03/21/2017

Dr. Chikako Usui, President of the Japan America Society of St. Louis (JASSTL), has been elected to the executive committee of the National Association of Japan America Societies (NAJAS) in 2017 for a three-year term. She has also recently been awarded a Commendation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan for outstanding work in promotion of mutual understanding between Japan and the U.S.A. Mr. Toshiyuki Iwado, Consul General of Japan, Chicago, came to St. Louis for the 40th anniversary of the Japanese Festival and to personally present Dr. Usui with the Commendation.

These achievements are a fitting honor following Dr. Usui’s ten years as president of JASSTL. During her tenure, she has obtained funded grants to revitalize the Japan America Society of St. Louis, greatly increasing its activity, exposure, and service to the St. Louis community. Her election to NAJAS will provide opportunities to fulfill her commitment to US-Japan relations on a national level.

Dr. Usui is an Associate Professor of Sociology and a Fellow of International Studies and Programs at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. She has served as President of the Japan America Society of St. Louis (JASSTL) since 2008. Under her leadership, JASSTL expanded its business and cultural programs and its presence in the community and increased its membership and corporate sponsorships. JASSTL provides Japan-US business programs with signature networking sushi and sake receptions, as well as authentic cultural experiences such as ikebana floral arrangement and tea ceremony, which are open to the public. It partners with schools and local institutions to present programs on Japanese culture and history and is a major player in the popular annual Japanese Festival at the Missouri Botanical Garden, one of the largest Japanese festivals in the country, drawing well-over 30,000 visitors annually.

Since the 2011 earthquake-tsunami disaster in Japan, JASSTL has been recipient of grants offered to only three other Japan America Societies in the US to foster exchange between child victims of the disaster and US students. Through the Tomodachi Friendship program, JASSTL has brought young students from Ishinomaki (near Sendai) to St. Louis to discover American culture and has taken St. Louis area students to the tsunami-damaged regions to study recovery efforts and see the resilience of the people.

Founded in 1967, the mission of JASSTL is to promote exchange and understanding between the people of Japan and the US, provide business and cultural programs, and be the go-to source of information about Japan. People have mistakenly believed JASSTL is only for Japanese and Japanese-Americans, but its membership is diverse and welcoming to all who are interested in Japan. JASSTL is celebrating its 50th Anniversary in 2017.

View PDF of media release here.

2017 Spring Japan Update Packed the House at NOVUS International

Tue, 21 Feb 2017 13:52:37 GMT

We had a packed house to hear three engaging speakers at our Spring Japan Update event hosted by our member, Novus International. Talks by Ambassador Ichiro Fujisaki, Carnegie Asia Program senior fellow James Schoff, and founder and managing director of The Yield Lab Thad Simons were followed by a wonderful sushi and sake reception provided by Chef de Art Catering. A big "Thank you!" to our speakers, to the sponsors - the National Association of Japan America Societies (NAJAS) and the Sasakawa Peace Foundation, to everyone who attended, and to everyone who worked to bring this opportunity to St. Louis.

Latest Issue of A Touch of Japanese Tradition Now Available

Christopher Meyer — Wed, 15 Feb 2017 22:25:20 GMT

The Japan America Society enlists local writers each year to contribute to A Touch of Japanese Tradition - an annual publication focused on different aspects of Japanese culture. Previous topics included haiku, chanoyu (tea ccermony), kimono, and botany. The topic for 2016 is Japanese Food and that latest issue is now available!

Click here for A Touch of Japanese Tradition.

Announcing the Winner of the ANA Ticket Raffle

Mon, 17 Oct 2016 17:00:21 GMT

Thank you to everyone who participated in the ANA Ticket Raffle at the 40th Annual Japanese Festival at the Missouri Botanical Gardens!

Our winner, Susan W., was randomly drawn from over 350 tickets on September 5th during the Japan America Society’s Tomodachi Presentation. Congratulations Susan, and we hope you enjoy a wonderful trip to Japan!

We cannot thank you enough for your continued support of the Japan America Society of St. Louis. If you would like to stay up with date with all of the opportunities and discounts offered by the Japan America Society, please consider becoming a member.

Tomodachi 2016 Update - Participants Experience Tea Ceremony, Tairyo Dance, and more!

(Past member) — Tue, 26 Jul 2016 16:14:13 GMT

After much preparation and hard work, the 2016 students are finally in Japan to extend and strengthen the grassroots relationships between St. Louis and Ishinomaki!

So far during their program, our St. Louis students have participated in Japanese tea ceremony in traditional Japanese clothing...

Learned how to perform Ishinomaki's traditional Tairyo Dance...

and participated in a cultural exchange with students from Minato Middle School!

For more updates on the 2016 program, be sure to like our page on Facebook here.

TOMODACHI Participants Receive Welcome Message from Host Families and Cooordinators in Japan

Christopher Meyer — Sun, 17 Jul 2016 16:46:02 GMT

The coordinators and host families on the Japan side for the 2016 St. Louis-Ishinomaki Friendship Program recently sent a welcome message and photo to all the American participants in the TOMODACHI Program...

Welcome to Japan
Welcome to Ishinomaki
Please enjoy the homestay in Ishinomaki
See you at Sendai Airport on July 22

I know our participants just can't wait to meet you all!

Back
後列

Hiroshi Abe
阿部浩

Koichi Togashi
富樫晃一

Yasushi Maruoka
丸岡泰

Shigeki Sasaki
佐々木繁樹

Tadashi Kimura
木村正

Masaki Sato
佐藤正樹

Kyoko Sato
佐藤京子

MIddle
中列

Akemi Abe
阿部あけみ

Seiko Yoshida
吉田誠子

Kana Yoshida
吉田加奈

Yoshiko Miyamoto
宮本美子

Manayo Miyamoto
宮本愛与

Aya Sasaki
佐々木あや

Emi Sasaki
佐々木恵美

Front
前列

Hiromi Kataoka
片岡弘美

Kazue Mogi
茂木和江

Ami Mogi
茂木亜美

Teru Abe
阿部輝

Ami Kataoka
片岡亜美

Mayoko Abe
阿部麻衣子

Tomotaka Abe
阿部智隆

JAS Announces Closer Partnership with SLAM!

Christopher Meyer — Wed, 13 Jul 2016 00:25:34 GMT

The Japan America Society of St. Louis is excited to announce a new partnership with the St. Louis Art Museum, beginning with SLAM's upcoming symposium, Conflicts of Interests: Art and War in Modern Japan, on Friday, October 21 and Saturday, October 22.

The Conflicts of Interest exhibit will be on display at SLAM from October 16 through January 8.

A Celebration of Japanese Culture at the Missouri History Museum

Christopher Meyer — Tue, 31 May 2016 01:45:35 GMT

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.

Faces Like the Enemy

Christopher Meyer — Mon, 02 May 2016 16:05:33 GMT

"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 themost decorated US military unit in WWII. Special thanks to the Missouri History Museum for hosting this program.

VIEW PHOTOS HERE

Women in the Japanese Workplace

Christopher Meyer — Fri, 29 Apr 2016 15:58:03 GMT

Registration was filled up (and then some!) for "Women in the Japanese Workplace" on April 28. Professor Mitsuko Horiuchi gave an interesting and informative talk on the Japanese government's recent policies designed to bring more women into the workforce.

Thank you to all who attended and for the wonderful and engaging questions for Professor 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.

VIEW PHOTOS HERE

February 17th: Tradition and Innovation in Beer & Sake

Christopher Meyer — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 21:12:49 GMT

Katsuhiko Miyasaka of Miyasaka Brewing, Timothy Sullivan of Urban Sake, and Adam McBrady of Urban Chestnut provided an informative and interesting talk followed by a tasting of premium sake, sushi reception, and Urban Chestnut beer for 80 guests. This sold-out event was a phenomenal success. View a slideshow of the event here.

A huge thank you to our funders who made this event possible:

JAS 2015 Annual Dinner

Christopher Meyer — Mon, 16 Nov 2015 21:19:19 GMT

With 64 members and friends in attendance, the JAS hosted a lively Annual Dinner at Wasabi in Warson Woods. Peter Kelley, President of the National Association of Japan America Societies, gave a wonderful speech, praising JAS-STL and its efforts. We had the chance to hear from three participants from the Ishinomaki Program, with presentations from a volunteer, a 2014 program participant and a member of one of the 2015 program’s host families. Bruce Buckland, Honorary Consul General of Japan in St. Louis and Vice Chairman of the JAS-STL, was presented with the Service Award. After another successful Annual Golf Tournament, the JAS was able to present the St. Louis Japanese Language School with a check for $3,300, bringing total donations to the Language School up to more than $54,000. Thank you to everyone who attended. We look forward to hosting next year’s Annual Dinner!

Packed Houses for Two Japan Update Events

Christopher Meyer — Wed, 12 Feb 2014 04:54:34 GMT

On Wednesday, February 11, the Japan America Society hosted two events as part of the Japan Update program. An audience of more than 80 guests gathered for a luncheon at the Ritz Carlton to hear Ambassador Ira Shapiro’s thoughts on the current state of US-Japan relations. Ambassador Shapiro’s lively remarks focused on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) talks and their importance to the two allies, the region, and the globe. There were several questions from the engaged audience, many concerning the role and reaction of China to the TPP talks. It was an interesting talk over a delicious lunch of Japanese vegetables and salmon teriyaki.

Quite a crowd also came later that evening to hear Ambassador Shapiro, joined by Mr. Masami Doi (former General Manager of Toyota), Dr. Ulrike Schaede (Professor of Japanese Business, University of California-San Diego), and Mr. Brian Josephson (retired Sr. Vice President, Rawlings Sports) speak about the Japanese economy and international business relationships. Chef de Art provided a delicious buffet afterwards.