On September 15, 2022, the inaugural JASH Service Award was presented to Mrs. Yoko Authur in recognition of her contributions to the furthering of Japan-America Society of Houston’s mission.
Mrs. Authur supported JASH for over 30 years.
In the early 1990s, Mrs. Authur joined JASH and assumed a variety of leadership roles. In addition to serving on the JASH Board of Directors, Mrs. Authur was on the gala committee, the sister city committee, the Japanese Garden committee, the speech contest committee and the JASH Shimbun newsletter committee.
Moreover, she was JASH’s Vice President of Cultural Affairs. A skilled practitioner of the Ikenobo style of ikebana herself, Mrs. Authur brought a variety of cultural classes to JASH.
Following the completion of the Japanese Garden in 1992, Mrs. Authur proposed holding a small Japan Festival to draw attention to the garden’s existence. Her vision of and dedication to this project led to the inception of Japan Festival Houston, a beloved community event visited by thousands each year.
Yoko Authur modeling a kimono at the first Houston Japan Festival.
Yoko Authur hosting the JASH Volunteer Reception.
In the late 1990s, she was tapped to be the JASH office administrator, and she carried out duties in this capacity until 2010.
Mrs. Authur’s love for sharing Japanese culture with the community was clearly expressed in the initiatives she led and supported to nurture friendship and goodwill between Japan and America.
JASH is grateful for Mrs. Authur’s selfless service, warm-hearted teamwork, and profound dedication to sharing the arts and culture of Japan.