Exclusive Member Giveaway: Win Tickets to KODO in Houston!

Photo by Takashi Okamoto

We’re thrilled to announce the winners of our exclusive giveaway for tickets to see KODO, the world-renowned taiko drumming ensemble, presented by Performing Arts Houston on March 29 at Jones Hall!

Congratulations to our lucky winners:

• Kara M. (Stripe #3816)

• Keiji O. (Stripe #3710)
  

Each winner will receive two tickets (valued at $218) to this electrifying performance. Winners have been notified via email with details on how to claim their tickets.

Thank you to all our valued members for participating! If you weren’t selected this time, stay tuned—more exciting giveaways and exclusive events are coming your way.

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As a special thank you to our valued members, we’re excited to offer an exclusive giveaway for tickets to the electrifying performance of KODO being presented by Performing Arts Houston on March 29, at Jones Hall.

All current members will be automatically entered into a raffle for a chance to win. Two lucky winners will each receive two tickets to experience the world-renowned taiko drumming ensemble live on stage (ticket pairings are valued at $218).

Winners will be selected at random and announced on March 22. Winners will be notified via email. Stay tuned, and good luck!

Not a member yet? Join by the close of business on Friday, March 21, to be eligible for future giveaways and exclusive events.

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Japan-America Society of Houston (JASH) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, located at 2990 Richmond Ave., Suite 670, Houston, TX 77098.

Every dollar raised through this raffle will go towards JASH’s charitable purposes as defined by the Charitable Raffle Enabling Act (CREA).

2025 Texas State Japanese Language Speech Contest

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On Saturday, March 8, 2025, JASH together with the Consulate-General of Japan in Houston co-hosted the 2025 Texas State Japanese Language Speech Competition.

35 contestants, representing the winners of the Austin, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio regional speech contests, gathered at Rice University to demonstrate their Japanese language proficiency through the reciting of poetry and the presentation of original haiku and speeches.

This year’s contest’s theme was the 2025 Osaka Expo, and following words of encouragement from Consul General Zentaro Naganuma, participants showed how they channeled the Osaka spirit of creativity, confidence, and innovation through their speeches and presentations.

All contestants walked away with participation gifts, including official Osaka Expo goods, baseball stress balls courtesy of Daikin Comfort Technologies North America Inc., and Glico brand treats courtesy of Daido Market. The audience was also given opportunities to win a 2025 World Expo stuffed mascot through the #EdamameChamp Chopstick Challenge and sample delicious cream puffs courtesy of Beard Papa’s Katy.

• Winners of the POETRY DIVISION received Visa gift certificates courtesy of the Japanese Teachers Association of Texas (JTAT) and gift certificates courtesy of Kinokuniya Books.

• Winners of the HAIKU DIVISION received Osaka Expo goodie bags courtesy of the Japan Business Association of Houston (JBAH) and gift certificates courtesy of Kinokuniya Books.

• Winners of the H.S. FREE SPEECH AURORA DIVISION received scholarships from the Japanese Association of Greater Houston (JAGH): $500 for 1st Place, $300 for 2nd Place and $200 for 3rd Place and gift certificates courtesy of Kinokuniya Books.

• Winners of the COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY FREE SPEECH DIVISION received scholarships from JASH: $1,000 for 1st Place, $500 for 2nd Place and $250 for 3rd Place and gift certificates courtesy of Kinokuniya Books.

• Winners of the OPEN DIVISION received an XBox Series S for 1st Place and gift certificates courtesy of Kinokuniya Books for 2nd and 3rd Place.

It is JASH’s hope that the Contest will continue to inspire and motivate students to excel in their Japanese studies.

Please meet the 2025 Contest winners and supporters:

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POETRY DIVISION WINNERS

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1st Place	Eliana ALEMAYEHU LASA H.S. Austin Region
2nd Place	William COOK Johnson H.S. San Antonio Region
3rd Place	Henry GRAY Richardson H.S. Dallas Region

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HAIKU DIVISION WINNERS

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1st Place	Aaliyah ROMERO Johnson H.S. San Antonio Region
2nd Place	Wendy WANG Clements H.S. Houston Region
3rd Place	Aayan MITHANI Richardson H.S. Dallas Region

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H.S. FREE SPEECH AUORA DIVISION WINNERS

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1st Place	Wai AUNG "Light of Hope" MacArthur H.S. San Antonio Region
2nd Place	Jacob DUKE "What I Learned From an Embarrassing Mistake" Johnson H.S. San Antonio Region
3rd Place	Alexander FLORES "The Event that had a Big Influence on Me" Bellaire H.S. Houston Region

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FREE SPEECH COLLEGE & UNIVERSITY DIVISION WINNERS

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1st Place	Gabriel CRUZ "The Dialect and I" University of Texas at Austin Austin Region
2nd Place	Liam DEWBERRY "The Benefits and Enjoyment of Language Learning" Dallas College Dallas Region
3rd Place	Vin EAMBORIBOON "V1 Speed" University of North Texas Dallas Region

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OPEN DIVISION WINNERS

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1st Place	Rika FUKUDA "My Life Goal as a Japanese-American" Houston Region
2nd Place	Michael BENNETT "Don't Limit the Minds of Children" Austin Region
3rd Place	Ryotaro EKHAESE "Thoughts on Equality" Houston Region

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SPECIAL THANKS TO THOSE WHO MADE THE CONTEST POSSIBLE:

Photos by night.sky.creative

JASH Mourns the Passing of The Honorable Sylvester Turner

Japan-America Society of Houston mourns the passing of The Honorable Sylvester Turner, a dedicated public servant whose legacy will forever be tied to his unwavering commitment to the people of Houston and to strengthening the bonds between Houston and Japan.

During his distinguished career — including 27 years as the Representative for Texas House District 139 and serving as the 62nd Mayor of Houston from 2016 to 2024 — Mayor Turner championed international engagement, recognizing the importance of fostering meaningful relationships with Houston’s global partners.

Mayor Turner’s passion for Houston-Japan friendship was evident throughout his tenure. He freely gave of his time in support of Japan Festival Houston. But his dedication went far beyond ceremonial gestures — Mayor Turner actively worked to attract and secure Japanese investment in Greater Houston, resulting in the creation of thousands of jobs and reinforcing the economic ties between Japan and our city. Under his leadership, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries America relocated its North American headquarters to Houston, and the Daikin Texas Technology Park opened its doors, representing one of the largest single investment projects by a Japanese company in the United States.

Mayor Turner also championed Houston’s Sister City relationship with Chiba City, ensuring that the friendship flourished not only economically, but culturally and educationally as well. In 2022, Mayor Turner led a Houston Investment and Trade Mission to Japan, where he personally visited Chiba City to celebrate the 50th anniversary of our Sister City relationship. In a moment of deep significance, he was named an Honorary Citizen of Chiba City, and signed an agreement reaffirming our continued friendship and commitment to future exchanges.

Mayor Turner’s vision, leadership, and deep respect for Japan’s culture and people enriched the work of the Japan-America Society of Houston, leaving a lasting impact on all who believe in the power of international friendship. JASH was proud to present him with the 2022 Houston-Japan Friendship Award in recognition of his exceptional leadership in deepening the ties between our communities.

We extend our deepest condolences to Mayor Turner’s family, friends, and all those whose lives were touched by his remarkable legacy. As we honor his memory, JASH remains committed to advancing the partnerships he so passionately supported — partnerships built on mutual respect, shared values, and a belief in the power of friendship between the people of Houston and Japan.

May his legacy continue to inspire us all.

2025 Houston Regional Japanese Language Speech Contest

The 2025 Houston Regional Japanese Language Speech Contest was held at the University of St. Thomas on February 8, 2025.

Twenty-five (25) contestants gathered to demonstrate their Japanese skills in the areas of (i) POETRY RECITATION, (ii) HAIKU, (iii) FREE SPEECH AURORA, and (iv) FREE SPEECH COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY.

• 5 students competed in beginner level Poetry Recitation division.

• 3 students competed in the lower intermediate Haiku Presentation division.

• 14 students competed in the upper intermediate Free Speech High School division.

• 3 students competed in the advanced Free Speech University division.

Original speeches highlighted the love of Pokemon, Japanese fashion and even a Japan earthquake experience. NIIMI Nankichi’s poem “Ashita” was recited, original haikus were presented and free speeches were given covering topics ranging from “Pokémon” and Dazai Osamu to Japanese fashion and calligraphy.

"Otsukaresama" to all contest participants! We congratulate you for your hard work and commitment to learning Japanese.

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Meet the winners of the 2025 Houston Regional Japanese Language Speech Contest!

Winners are listed below by category. 

Those placing in the top two in each division will move on to compete in the TEXAS STATE JAPANESE LANGUAGE SPEECH CONTEST, which will be held at Rice University on March 8, 2025.

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DIVISION 1 - POETRY

1.       Arjun SUKHRANI – 9th, William P. Clements High School (not pictured)

2.      Emma SUWAN – 8th, Garland McMeans Junior High School

3.      Jewel UBOM – 9th, William P. Clements High School

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DIVISION 2 - HAIKU

1.       Wendy WANG – 11th, William P. Clements High School

2.      Shayla PACHECO – 10th, Bellaire High School

3.      Connie TAM – 11th, Morton Ranch High School

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DIVISION 3 - FREE SPEECH HIGH SCHOOL AURORA

1.       Dylan TING – Melancholic Expression – 11th, William P. Clements High School (not pictured)

2.       Alexander Flores – The Event That Had a Big Influence on Me – 12th, Bellaire High School

3.       Elizabeth HARTE – Learning Japanese Calligraphy – 12th, The Woodlands High School

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DIVISION 4 - FREE SPEECH COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY

1.       Alexander WILSON – Like a Magikarp – Sophomore, Texas A&M University

2.      Brennan FIGGINS – Success Through Effort – Freshman, Texas A&M University

3.      Stefanie DAVIS – The Fish – Senior, Texas A&M University

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Contest winners will receive the following prizes:

DIVISIONS I & II: POETRY and HAIKU (Beginner & Intermediate)

• 1st place: $25 gift card & a Glico Running Man T-shirt

• 2nd Place: $15 gift card

• 3rd Place: $10 gift card

DIVISIONS III & IV: FREE SPEECH High School and University

• 1st place: $50 gift card & a Glico Running Man T-shirt

• 2nd Place: $25 gift card

• 3rd Place: $15 gift card

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SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS:

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SUPPORTERS:

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SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR JUDGES:

• Tomoko INOUE - JTAT

• Yuko KUDO - Instructor, JASH Japanese Language Program

• Kei KUON - Instructor, JASH Japanese Language Program

• Hiromi RAYMER - Volunteer, JASH

• Hiroko SATO - Board Member, JASH

• Hiromi TAKAYAMA - Instructor, Rice University

• Sho WATANABE - Volunteer, JASH

• Yuko YAMADA - Instructor, JASH Japanese Language Program

• Masato YAMAMURA - Consul, Consulate-General of Japan in Houston

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SPECIAL THANKS TO ALL PARTICIPATING JAPANESE LANGUAGE TEACHERS IN HOUSTON:

• Tomoko INOUE

• Adrian MCINTOSH

• Yoshimi SHERIDAN

• Satoko SHOU

• Yuki WAUGH

Houston Welcomes TMG Inter-Regional Economic Exchange Program Delegation

Photo courtesy of Howorth International

On January 22, 2022, the Texas Economic Development and Tourism Office of the Texas Governor and the Bureau of Industrial and Labor Affairs of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Japan, signed a Statement of Mutual Cooperation to strengthen economic ties between Texas and Tokyo.

Initially, 19 Texas communities were designated as collaborative partners under the agreement. Since then, three additional communities have joined, with the Greater Houston Partnership (GHP) becoming the most recent partner.

As a direct outcome of this Statement, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government launched the Inter-regional Economic Exchange Program, providing Japanese SMEs with the opportunity to explore market entry into Texas. Each year, a select group of SMEs is chosen to participate. This year, ten (10) Japanese SMEs were selected for the program, which is administered in Tokyo by the Tokyo SME Support Center, International Business Section.

In late January 2025, JASH had the privilege of welcoming the SME delegates to Houston alongside Howorth International and the GHP. JASH Vice President Tak Ishikawa (Mitsubishi Heavy Industries America) and new JASH member Nobu Namba (PNC) provided valuable insights on doing business in Texas, while JASH Executive Director Patsy Brown shared strategies for fostering deeper connections with local communities in Texas. Additionally, JASH Board Member Satoru Akama (Daikin Comfort Technologies) hosted the delegates for an exclusive tour of the Daikin factory.

We were inspired by the innovation and ambition of these companies as they explore opportunities in the Texas/U.S. market. As a warm gesture of Texas hospitality, all participating SMEs were awarded complimentary JASH memberships.

Join us in welcoming our newest members!

Courtesy of Howorth International

2024 - A Memorable Year

Overview of the Japan-America Society of Houston’s 2024 Calendar Year

Japan-America Society of Houston (JASH) experienced a historic and transformative 2024, marked by record-breaking achievements, an expanded range of programs, and strengthened community ties. Guided by its mission to foster cultural exchange and mutual understanding between Japan and the United States, JASH’s 2024 calendar year highlighted the organization’s growing impact and dedication to cultural enrichment and education.

Record-Setting Programs

2024 was a year of unparalleled activity, as JASH hosted an extraordinary 173 programs, the highest number in its history. These events spanned diverse themes, including performing arts presentations, cultural celebrations, educational initiatives, business forums, and community outreach. The increased volume and variety of programming allowed JASH to engage broader audiences and offer meaningful experiences to members and the Houston community at large.

Notable programs included:

• Performing Arts Presentations:  Two tours of Japanese artists in partnership with Japan Society in New York – Nihon Buyo in the 21st Century: From Kabuki Dance to Boléro and Japan’s National Bunraku Theatre.

• Cultural Workshops: Hands-on workshops, such as ikebana (flower arranging), kamishibai storytelling, and origami.

• Language and Educational Initiatives: Expanded Japanese language courses for all ages and cultural literacy workshops for schools and educators.

• Business and Trade Events: Forums highlighting Japanese-American business partnerships, featuring expert panels and networking opportunities.

Record-Breaking Japan Festival Houston

JASH’s signature event, the Japan Festival Houston, reached unprecedented levels of success in 2024. With an attendance of over 40,000 people—the highest in the festival’s history—this vibrant celebration showcased the best of Japanese culture and traditions. Held in Hermann Park, the festival featured:

• Live performances, including taiko drumming, martial arts demonstrations, and traditional music trio RIN’.

• Authentic Japanese cuisine from local restaurants and food vendors.

• Interactive activities, such as origami stations and samurai dress-up opportunities.

• Art exhibits and vendor booths highlighting Japanese crafts and products.

The record-breaking attendance underscored the growing interest in Japanese culture across Houston and affirmed the festival’s place as a cornerstone of the city’s cultural calendar.

Notable Recognitions and Partnerships

JASH was honored to recognize distinguished individuals and organizations who have significantly contributed to fostering Japan-U.S. relations. Among the highlights was the presentation of the 2024 Houston-Japan Friendship Award to Dr. Bradley Bailey for his contributions to cultural exchange through the exhibitions Meiji Modern and None Whatsoever: Zen Paintings from the Gitter-Yelen Collection and the presentation of the 2024 J. Thomas Schieffer Leadership Award to Yuriko Kajiya of for her leadership in the arts as principal dancer with the Houston Ballet.

JASH’s collaborations with local organizations, schools, and businesses also deepened in 2024. Partnerships with Houston Independent School District (HISD) brought Japanese cultural programs to over 200 students, while corporate sponsors supported initiatives that bridged business and cultural connections.

Community and Membership Growth

The organization’s commitment to community engagement and member involvement led to significant growth in its membership base. Volunteer participation reached new heights, with members actively contributing to the success of JASH’s programs and events. Efforts to increase outreach ensured that JASH’s activities remained inclusive and accessible to all segments of the community.

Looking Ahead

The successes of 2024 set a strong foundation for the future of the Japan-America Society of Houston. As JASH looks ahead to 2025, the organization is committed to further expanding its programming, strengthening partnerships, and continuing its mission to promote cultural understanding and friendship between Japan and the United States. With the momentum of a record-breaking year, JASH is poised to achieve even greater milestones in the years to come.

Japan's National Theatre Presents Bunraku

Images by night.sky.creative

On Saturday, October 12, Japan-America Society of Houston in partnership with Japan Society celebrated a historic evening of Japanese art and artistry at The George Theatre.

As an organization dedicated to promoting in Texas meaningful lasting understanding between Japan and America, it gave JASH great pleasure to be a part of the National Theatre’s first bunraku theater production presented in the U.S.

Founded in Osaka in the beginning of the 17th century, ningyo joruri bunraku is one the representative forms for Japanese performing arts integrating the globally influential three-person puppet manipulation technique with tayu narration and live shamisen music.

The dramatic storytelling artform is recognized as a UNESCO “masterpiece of the oral and intangible heritage of humanity.”

In bunraku’s Texas debut, attendees were treated to an evening filled with beauty and heartbreak through scenes from two select masterpieces of classic bunraku repertoire:

Oshichi, the Greengrocer’s Daughter, co-written by Sensuke Suga and Wakichi Matsuda in 1773, drew inspiration from an actual incident in 1683, in which a girl who fell in love with a temple page committed arson to see him again and was sentenced to death.

The Love Suicides at Sonezaki, premiered at the Takemotoza Theater in Osaka in 1703. It was written by Chikamatsu Monzaemon (1653–1725), who is regarded as one of Japan’s greatest dramatists. Gaining significant, if morbid fame for the increase of double suicides amongst lovers in Japan in the 1700s, this piece established a new genre of plays, called sewa-mono, depicting the contemporary life of commoners, in contrast to the pre-existing jidai-mono genre that recounts historical stories. For the U.S. tour of this piece, the National Theatre paired the performance with background scenography by Kazuo Oga, art director for many classic Studio Ghibli anime such as My Neighbor Totoro and Princess Mononoke.

“We hope that you are fascinated by Japanese culture through today’s experience and motivated to visit Japan, and that you will appreciate the entire scope of the art of bunraku in its home country.”

-Mariko Hasegawa, President, Japan Arts Council

The Houston performance concluded a five (5) city North America tour with a full house and a post-performance meet-and-greet.

We are honored to have been able to share this art with our community.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this special performance.

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The U.S. tour of National Bunraku Theater is produced by Japan Society under partnership with Japan Arts Council, which is supported, in part, by Japan Cultural Expo 2.0, All Nippon Airways Co., Ltd., Kikkoman Corporation and Suntory Holdings Limited. The program is also supported by the John and Miyoko Davey Foundation and Takenaka Corporation.

This performance of National Bunraku Theater is funded in part by the City of Houston through Houston Arts Alliance.

Support was also provided by Miwa Sakashita and Dr. John Stroehlein, Akemi and Yasuhiko Saitoh, and Nanako and Dale Tingleaf.

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This program is part of Houston’s celebration of the U.S.-Japan Tourism Year 2024.

Japan Festival Houston 2024

Japan Festival Houston, one of the city's largest free outdoor music and entertainment weekends, returned to Hermann Park on September 7-8 with two full days of vibrant performances, delicious food and unforgettable cultural experiences.

Along with record-breaking attendance, Japan Festival Houston’s 31st year celebrated the lasting legacy of longstanding Japan-America Society of Houston (JASH) Director and Japan Festival Houston Founder Glen Yoshiaki Gondo.

Japan Festival Houston welcomed the headlining waggaki group RIN’, who excited crowds with their unique blend of classical Japanese instruments with pop and rock. This trio, united by boundless creative energy and rigorous training under Living National Treasures, have created a new sound that combines the koto (zither), biwa (lute), sangen (shamisen), and shakuhachi (bamboo flute) with mainstream music.

Also joining Japan Festival Houston for the first time was the all-female Chindon-ya group Bentenya and Creative Minds Collaborative dance group. Donning glamorous kimonos and colorful wigs, Bentenya captivated crowds with their marching band-style of performance that blended nostalgia and modernity while Creative Minds Collaborative’s work inspired by artwork from the Meiji Modern exhibition combined traditional Japanese dance forms with contemporary vocabularies to reflect the collision and integration of Western influences.

Returning to the Japan Festival Houston stage was Ryukyu Matsuri Daiko, a group dedicated to exploring and preserving the Okinawan folk dance, Eisa. Characterized by unique choreography, which incorporates Karate kata with dynamic Bachi (drumsticks) movements, Eisa is a celebratory dance and is considered an important part of Okinawan culture.

Kaminari Taiko, a crowd favorite at Japan Festival Houston, rocked with toe-tapping beats and singer, songwriter, and composer Kohei returned to Japan Festival Houston to share his vocal and emcee talents on the Matsuri Stage at Miller Outdoor Theater. 

At the Japan-America Society of Houston (JASH) booth, visitors had the opportunity “to be a samurai” with origami “kabuto” helmets and photos with authentic happi coats and uchikake kimono. Festival goers also had the chance to take on the challenge of the life-sized otoshi daruma for prizes.

Special thanks go to our spirited volunteers who worked tirelessly to make JASH's many festival offerings possible!  Makoto ni arigatou gozaimashita.

Houston, your energy was contagious, and it was a joy to celebrate Japan together with all of you through vibrant performances, delicious food and unforgettable cultural experiences.

A sincere “arigatou” for the community spirt and the shared love for Japanese culture that made this year’s festival such a success.

Images by night.sky.creative

Youth Ambassador Program at the USA Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka

Sister Cities International has been selected by the U.S. Department of State for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity - to recruit young Americans (ages 19-27) to work at the USA Pavilion at the 2025 Osaka World Expo in Japan next year for three or six months. 

The Department of State Youth Ambassador, or Student Ambassador, program is a long-standing U.S Government exchange program which began in the 1950’s.  For decades, young Americans have served as docents or guides for USA Pavilions at International Expositions or World’s Fairs.  The opportunity to engage with millions of visitors of all ages and backgrounds throughout the six-month Expo is a once in a lifetime experience.  Serving as the “Faces of America” is an important role at a World’s Fair as many of the visitors may have never met face-to-face with an American before.

Youth Ambassadors have embarked on internships and careers in foreign policy with various U.S. Government agencies, including the State Department, USAID, the Department of Agriculture and others, as well as careers in international business, event management,  and entrepreneurship.  Youth Ambassadors are considered U.S. government exchange alumni and become part of a 1 million+ community of exchange alumni with opportunities for continued grants and other programs.

All travel, accommodations, and insurance are fully covered, and participants will receive a monthly stipend. Japanese language ability is preferred, but not required. The application deadline is TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2024 at 11:59pm ET.

Please see below additional information and how to apply:

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Application Requirements:

• Young adults ages 19-27, who want to represent the U.S.;

• Ideally multilingual in English and one of the following languages: Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Cantonese, Korean, Vietnamese, or Portuguese;

• Contact information of two (2) references;

• A current resume or CV;

• An official or unofficial transcript of your current or most recently completed degree;

• Any supporting documents to support language abilities; and

• A "one-way interview" video submission of yourself (max. 3 minutes)

Youth Ambassadors will be divided into three cohorts:

• Full-Term of the Expo: March 26, 2025 – October 15, 2025*

• Spring 2025: March 26, 2025 – July 23, 2025*

• Fall 2025: July 12, 2025 – October 15, 2025*

*All YAs will meet for a multi-day, in-person orientation March 22 – 26, 2025 in Fort Worth, Texas.

Houston Chronicle Highlights Houston's Own 'Shōgun' Director, Emmanuel Osei-Kuffour

On Thursday, July 11, the Houston Chronicle highlighted Houstonian film maker and hit FX series Shōgun director, Emmanuel Osei-Kuffour, Jr. Born in Houston to Ghanaian parents and raised in the city's southwest area, Osei-Kuffour’s experiences as a first-generation African-American and his love for Japanese language and culture lead him to directing one of the best Shōgun episodes to be aired, episode 8: "The Abyss of Life.”

Emmanuel Osei-Kuffour, Jr.'s journey from Houston to the hit FX series Shōgun took him to Stanford University, Kyoto, Singapore, and back to Japan. What started as a passion for al. things Nintendo ultimately landed him a spot directing a show about a country and culture he has grown to love.

On Sunday July 14, Osei-Kuffour shared some of that love when he showed and discussed the Shōgun episode he helmed, "The Abyss of Life," at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. The episode is among the best of the series (which was conceived as a limited series but has now been renewed), a taut, suspenseful mini-drama of gamesmanship and tested loyalties with massive repercussions for the story as a whole.

I always felt a little out of place because I was never African enough, but I also didn't have as much exposure to Black American culture growing up because of the fact that my mom and dad were immigrants. So these stories about feeling like an outsider, feeling this disconnect, were very powerful to me. That's all they talk about in Japanese film, but they tell these stories in really emotionally impactful ways."

-Emmanuel Osei-Kuffour

"The Abyss of Life" is an intricate episode that allows Osei-Kuffour to show his chops with intimate scenes fraught with political and personal subtext. In the key scene, Lord Toranaga (Hiroyuki Sanada) appears to be giving in to his rivals on the Council of Regents and ceding his authority, a decision that dismays his allies, particularly his oldest friend and general, Hiromatsu (Tokuma Nishioka). As the two men face off in a room full of allies, Hiromatsu, unsure if Toranaga's capitulation is merely a ruse, threatens to commit seppuku, or ritual suicide by disembowelment.

The moment builds, thick with a tense ambiguity that infuses the entire episode. "That tension was very intentional," Osei-Kuffour says. "I really wanted everybody, from scene to scene, to really lean into every pause, every action, every decision that Toranaga makes. In many ways, the audience is the samurai clan. We're being manipulated the same way the clan is being manipulated."

Osei-Kuffour's time in Japan taught him to live in a state of heightened observation, spotting potential stories and miniature dramas everywhere he looked. It's a land that contains multitudes of culture and personality, much of it just beneath the surface. In this sense, it reminds him of his native city, where he still owns a home (near Trill Burger, which he frequents whenever he's in town).

Click the button below to read the full article written by Chris Vognar:

JASH Joins Forces with HISD to Prepare Students for the NES DYAD Travel Program

The 2023-2024 academic year saw JASH forge a partnership with Houston Independent School District (HISD) to prepare 8th grade students from six (6) New Education System (NES) schools — Fleming, Forest Brook, Henry, Key, McReynolds, and Sugar Grove Middle Schools — for a special trip to Japan courtesy of the HISD DYAD Travel Program.

Through custom curriculum implemented over six (6) modules, JASH together with HISD’s Nutrition Services Department provided students with an introduction to Japanese history, culture, customs, foods, and etiquette. In the weeks leading up to their trip, students folded origami, tried Japanese calligraphy, mastered chopstick use, and made their own onigiri.

The exposure events culminated in a field trip to 99 Ranch Asian market, where the students completed a scavenger hunt to collect ingredients for a traditional Japanese dish, followed by lunch at restaurant Yokushi Robata. The menu consisted of seaweed salad to start, followed by takoyaki (fried octopus), ramen, and okonomiyaki.

JASH was on hand to provide coaching and explanations as the students ate. HISD Superintendent Mike Miles also joined the lunch and shared with the students his own experiences growing up half-Japanese in America. Superintendent Miles was eager to hear what the students had already leanred about Japanese culture, and he even quizzed some students on Japanese language as they ate.

“This is part of the NES program, but more than that, it’s part of kids learning to grow a broader perspective, not just culturally, but on how things work in the world.”

-Mike Miles, HISD Superintendent

JASH Executive Director Patsy Brown shared a like perspective noting how cross-cultural understanding broadens horizons.

“When you’re able to experience a culture firsthand, it opens your eyes to potentials you might not be able to see if you’re just studying about a culture in classroom.”

-Patsy Brown, JASH Executive Director

In the end, the DYAD Travel Program sent 172 eighth grade students to Japan in six separate groups, the final of which returned stateside on June 3. 

It was truly a rewarding experience for JASH to work with the students of Fleming, Forest Brook, Henry, Key, McReynolds, and Sugar Grove Middle Schools. Special thanks are owed to Daikin Comfort Technologies for donating luggage tags for the students, to Daido for providing the ingredients for onigiri exposure lesson, and to Miwa Sakashita for supplying all participants with their very own set of chopsticks.

We look forward to continuing to provide HISD students with opportunities to engage with Japanese culture.

Table For Two Recognizes JASH's #EdamameChamp Chopstick Challenge

JASH has been named an #EdamameChamp 2024 SOY Photo Challenge Winner!

The winning photo, whcih was taken on May 11, features JASH volunteers ready to welcome attendees to Fort Bend County Libraries’ Multicultural Festival.

At the event, Team JASH encouraged participants to test their chopsticks skills in the 2024 #EdamameChamp Chopsticks Challenge.

The annual #EdamameChamp campaign made possible by TABLE FOR TWO is designed to promote healthy eating by sharing the benefits of soy and healthy eating.

Soy sauce adds umami to nutrient-rich foods like fish and vegetables. Natto helps promote healthy skin, GI system, heart, immune system, and more. Miso is a SUPER fermented food made from koji that supports a healthy gut and blood pressure control. Tofu comes in as one of the most versatile plant proteins that can be transformed with flavors from all regions of the world. Edamame, a baby (immature) soybean, is the classic inspiration for [the] campaign as a brightgreen, delicious, protein-rich food for all occasions.

-TABLE FOR TWO

Specil thanks go to TABLE FOR TWO and to our many community and Clements H.S. volunteers who helped visitors master chopstick use!

Visit the TABLE FOR TWO’s Facebook page by clicking the button below to view the other winners as they are announced.

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About #EdamameChamp:

#EDAMAMECHAMP is an annual spring campaign hosted by TABLE FOR TWO to promote healthy eathing through Japanese cuisine focusing on soy and to raise funds for teaching healthy eating to more children. One (1) participant or one (1) photo posted = food education for one (1) child.

About TABLE FOR TWO:

TABLE FOR TWO USA (TFT) is a 501(C)(3) organization that rights this global food imbalance through a unique meal-sharing program. TFT partners with corporations, restaurants, schools and other food establishments to serve healthy TFT- branded meals. For each one of these healthy meals served, $0.25 is donated to provide one school meal for a child in need.

On one side people are eating healthier meals, and on the other children in East Africa and low income neighborhoods in the US are receiving healthy school meals. It is in this way that TFT has served healthy meals to both sides of the "table" and helped to right the global food imbalance.

The TABLE FOR TWO initiative was initiated by and is an official affiliate of the World Economic Forum's Young Global Leaders. As a non-profit organization which started in Japan and is expanding globally, TABLE FOR TWO USA has started the unique programs, Onigiri Action, Edamame Champ and Wa-Shokuiku -Learn. Cook. Eat Japanese!- featuring Japanese food culture to tackle critical health issues.

The Gondo Family Legacy: From Tokyo Gardens to H-E-B

On Wednesday, June 5, the Houston Chronicle published an article highlighting the connection between Houston’s first Japanese restaurant and sushi bar, Tokyo Gardens, and H-E-B’s beloved sushi provider, Sushiya. As it happens, those ties also connect to JASH through our very own Board Member, Glen Gondo and his family.

In 1966, Glen’s parents Eugene and Hisako Gondo opened the doors of Tokyo Gardens as well as the hearts and minds of Houstonians. Known for live performances, a wooden hashi bridge and giant koi pond, Tokyo Gardens was Houston’s gateway to the food and culture of Japan.

Following the restaurant’s closing in 1998, the Gondos continued to provide top-quality sushi to their Houston clientele before striking a deal with H-E-B to sell their sushi in stores starting in 2002. For more than a decade, this relationship has grown to include nearly 300 H-E-B stores with delicious, top-quality sushi.

Currently under third-generation management, Robert Gondo now leads the company to fill the hearts, and stomachs, of Houston with the flavors of Japan.

Click the button below to read the full article written by Food Reporter Erica Cheng:

20th Annual All-USA High School Japanese Speech Contest

On May 26th, ten (10) students from across the United States gathered virtually to compete in the 20th Annual All-USA High School Japanese Speech Contest. Representing Texas were the 1st and 2nd place winners of the 2024 Texas State Japanese Language Speech Contest Aurora Division, Lauren Tippin and Ian Barker.

This annual contest, hosted by Japanese Language Scholarship Foundation (JLSF), in conjunction with the Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles and the American Association of Teachers of Japanese (AATJ), provides opportunities for high school students studying the Japanese language in the United States (whose native language is not Japanese) to make presentations in Japanese and to inspire others to improve their proficiency in Japanese. It is also hoped that the contest will encourage students to further their understanding of Japan, its people, and its culture.

Participants in the contest were selected from among recommendations submitted by organizers of regional contests held throughout the country. The winner of the national contest will have the honor of representing the United States in the “Overseas Students’ Japanese Speech Award (JSA) Contest.”

We at JASH celebrate Tippin-san and Barker-san for their stellar performances and wish them all the best as they continue their Japanese language learning journeys.

Congratulations Tippin-san and Barker-san!

JASH Invited to Share AAPI Insights With Cadets

In celebration of AAPI Heritage Month, JASH visited the Houston Police Academy and spoke to Cadet Class 264.

In addition to providing an introduction to Japanese culture, JASH shared tools and tips on how the Houston Police Department (HPD) can better serve the Japanese and greater AAPI communities.

Special thanks go to our friends at Ramen Tatsu-ya and Oyatsu Aoi who helped us make sure the cadets were engaged.  Two lucky cadets walked away with gift certificates to put towards Ramen Tatsu-Ya’s summer favorite “The Spicy Chilled” and two more cadets scored a wagashi sampler pack from Oyatsu Aoi.

JASH is also grateful to Officer Loc Tram with the HPD Office of Community Affairs for his service to our community and his work promoting cross cultural understanding.

JASH Honored by Fort Bend Country Judge KP George at AANHPI Celebration

On Friday, May 24, 2024, JASH Executive Director Patsy Brown accepted an official Proclamation from Fort Bend County Judge KP George in honor of the Japan-America Society of Houston’s commitment to sharing Japanese culture in and around the Houston-area.

The ceremony took place during the Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Celebration at the Fort Bend County Justice Center. Over 30 organizations and individuals were honored at the event.

This recognition is a reflection of the hard work of all our volunteers who make it possible to provide the Greater Houston community with dynamic experiences that pave the way for new understanding and new ideas.

Click the button below to view a recording of the event.

Houston Competitor Named Champ of Creativity at #EdamameChamp Final Championship 2024

On Sunday, May 19th, TABLE FOR TWO USA hosted the virtual #EdamameChamp Chopsticks Final Championship 2024.

Beginner and Expert level chopsticks champions from across the U.S. competed for the #EdamameChamp Champion Belt and bragging rights.

One of JASH’s recommended #EdamameChamp challengers, Jennifer C., earned the top award in the Creative Category during the contest.

We at JASH extend our congratulations to Jennifer-san for her cute and clever masterpiece.

Congratulations to all of the contestants and we look forward to having more Houstonians compete next year!

2024 Spring Japanese Garden Cleanup

On Saturday, May 18, JASH hosted the Annual Spring Japanese Garden Cleanup in Hermann Park.

Under the guidance of the Hermann Park Conservancy (HPC), 69 volunteers gathered in the Garden to assist in clearing debris and tidying up the grounds following Thursday’s severe weather.

In recognition of their dedication, volunteers were also entered into a drawing for a gift card from Houston’s ramen “soul-food” specialists, Ramen Tatsu-ya.

Congratulations to our winners, Midori M., Chief Administrator of Chado Urasenke Tankokai Houston Association and Jaqueline T. from Boy Scouts of America!

Here’s hoping you both

お疲れ様 (Otsukaresama) to everyone who gave of their time and effort to ensure the Japanese Garden is looking its best in preparation for the summer and upcoming Japan Festival Houston 2024!

Photos courtesy of Ikuyo Katayama

Lighthouse Presents Online Japanese College Fair Spring 2024

Graphic courtesy of Lighthouse

The Spring 2024 Online Japanese College Fair presented by Lighthouse will take place May 21-23, 2024.

Many Japanese universities welcome all students who are currently studying outside of Japan. They offer incentives such as entrance exams taken outside of Japan, English-only enrollment, scholarships, Fall Entrance, exchange programs with top universities in the world, and transferring systems from colleges.

During the Online Japanese College Fair, learn about each participating university’s designated program for international students and the latest information for those who are interested in enrolling in 2024-2025.

Details of the individual consultations will be provided to fair applicants at a later date. For more in-depth information about a school, please apply for an “Individual Consultation”. Advance reservations for individual consultations are also available.

This event is FREE with registration. Click the button below to learn more and register:

English Presentation Schedule:

Tuesday, May 21

• 8:00PM CDT | Eikei University of Hiroshima

• 8:30PM CDT | Yokohama National University

• 9:00PM CDT | Chukyo University

• 9:30PM CDT | Hiroshima University

Wednesday, May 22

• 8:00PM CDT | Tokyo International University

• 8:30PM CDT | Sophia University

• 9:00PM CDT | Ritsumeikan University

• 9:30PM CDT | Doshisha University (ILA)

Thursday, May 23

• 8:00PM CDT | Rikkyo University

  8:30PM CDT | Yamanashi Gakuin University iCLA

  9:00PM CDT | International Christian University (ICU)

Prime Minister Kishida Addresses Joint Session of Congress

Photo courtesy of the Office of Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher

On Thursday, April 11, President Biden welcomed Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to Washington for a state visit. During his visit, Prime Minister Kishida addressed a joint session of Congress.

JASH Executive Director Patsy Brown had the honor of joining Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) for the joint address.

Prime Minister Kishida spoke “as a long and close friend of the United States” highlighting the critical value of the U.S.-Japan alliance.

“I want you to know how seriously Japan takes its role as the United States’ closest ally.

Together we carry a large responsibility. I believe that we are essential to peace…vital to freedom…and fundamental to prosperity.

Bonded by our beliefs, I pledge to you Japan’s firm alliance and enduring friendship.

“Global Partners for the Future.” - We are your global partner today, and we will be your global partner in the years ahead.”

— Prime Minister Fumio Kishida

The speech also contained a surprise announcement featuring a beloved member of the Houston Japanese community. Prime Minister Kishida announced a “shared goal” for a Japanese astronaut to be the first non-American to land on the moon on a future Artemis campaign mission, likely in the late 2020s. Astronaut Akihiko Hoshide was recogized as a “living [symbol] of [U.S.-Japan] collaboration in space.”

Jacquelyn Martin - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS

As Congresswoman Fletcher noted, “the speech was inspiring — a testament to the importance of diplomacy, partnership, and leadership.” Click on the button below to read the complete transcript of Prime Minister Kishida’s speech.

Gratitude goes to Congresswoman Fletcher for giving JASH the opportunity to be a part of Prime Minister Kishida’s state visit.