History of Japan America Societies

The first Japan America Society was founded in Boston in 1904. Since that time, groups have been formed on both coasts. Today, Japan America Societies are active in communities from Maine to Southern California, and Seattle to South Florida. All are non-profit organizations formed through the efforts of business, educational and government leaders with the purpose of promoting understanding and cooperation between the people of the United States and Japan. Most of the various chapters are members of the National Association of Japan-America Societies, has its headquarters in New York. Similar America Japan Societies also exist in many parts of Japan.

The Japan America Society of Colorado became a member of the National Association in 1990 and hosted the National Convention of Japan America Societies in Aspen, Colorado in 1993.

History of JASC

The Japan America Society of Colorado was founded in 1989 as the result of recognition within the community that closer cultural, personal, social and business ties with Japan were essential. More than 500 persons attended the inaugural luncheon, including state and local officials, then-Ambassador Nobuo Matsunaga from Washington D.C., and then-Consul General Shunji Yanai of San Francisco.

In the past years, JASC has sponsored or co-sponsored a series of cultural events, business seminars and public-affairs lectures. It regularly holds an annual fall dinner (its major fund-raiser), an annual spring luncheon, and The Consul General's Golf Tournament every summer. In 1994 JASC co-sponsored with the Office of the Governor, the official luncheon for the Emperor and Empress of Japan. Furthermore, the Society has successfully sponsored: a cultural workshop series; Tomodachi Club (Friendship Club) and Kaiwa Club (Japanese conversation group); an Author's Series; Nichibei Kai (Japan America Business Club); an exchange program with students from Colorado's sister-state in Japan, Yamagata Prefecture; and a community service mentorship program with area high schools. In 2001, JASC helped promote the celebration of the 15th Anniversary of the Colorado-Yamagata Sister State relationship. The JASC also sposnors the annual Japan Bowl competition in Colorado, promoting Japanese language skills within the state's high school and college students. The winner is sent by JASC to the nationa Japan Bowl in Washington, DC.

JASC is more than just a Denver organization, it promotes a strong outreach program and shares its activities with various communities throughout the state -- Colorado Springs, Steamboat Springs, Longmont, Boulder, and Adams County.

The Society has also cooperated with various institutions in Colorado to promote cultural events and to enhance other organizations' programs related to Japan. Specifically, JASC worked with the University of Denver to design two courses, one for Japanese business persons and one for American business persons, to promote understanding of the different corporate practices and values in each country. It has also worked closely with the University of Colorado at Denver and with Arapahoe Community College to build their international studies departments. Furthermore, the 1995-96 academic year marks the third year that JASC members have teamed up with members of the Japanese Firms Association to organize a Mentorship Program for local high school students who are taking Pacific Rim/International Relations classes.

JASC has-sponsored programs with the Denver Art Museum, the Denver Botanic Gardens, the Denver Museum of Natural History, the Asian Art Association, JETRO Denver, the World Trade Center, the International Trade Office - Office of the Governor, and the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce.