The Japan America Society of San Antonio, or JASSA, was established in 1985 to foster increased understanding and cooperation between the citizens of San Antonio and the citizens of Japan. As a non-profit, educational and cultural group it has tried in numerous ways to make Japanese culture become better known in San Antonio. 

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Jassa NEWS!

On March 4, 2012, Boerne Performing Arts is bringing in TAO-THE ART OF THE DRUM on March 4, 2012. For more info, see Boerne Performing Arts.

Rakugo (Traditional Japanese Storytelling Comedy) was a great success. Thanks to the JASSA members who worked so hard to make it happen! It was attended by about 150 people, the audience was delighted, and Rakugo artist Kokontei Kikushin delivered a great performance.

The 2012 Asian Festival was a success, but not without the help of hard working volunteers! See photos and an open letter from JASSA Vice President Charlie Agagi here.

This event is sponsored by San Antonio Japan Companies Association, Japan-America Society of San Antonio, Incarnate Word College Instituted of World Culture, and the Consulate-General of Japan in Houston.

Sister City Agreement 25th Anniversary 2012 is the 25th Anniversary of the Sister City Agreement between Kumamoto City, Japan and City of San Antonio. The JASSA Newsletter will be featuring articles and stories from the first 25 years of this great friendship. JASSA is partnering with Kumamoto City, the City of San Antonio and other organizations to hold several events throughout the year that celebrate the friendship and cultures of our two cities. Watch www.jas-sa.org for future announcements!

Photo courtesy of Kumamoto City International Office

Happy New Year and thanks to all who came to Shinnenkai , brought friends and favorite dishes! Oishii! Thanks also to Tamoe Kumashiro for Koto music. And of course, Bonenka was great! It was a full house as we kanpai (cheers) with old friends and lots of new ones too. Sushihana Japanese Restaurant did not disappoint and great Japanese food just kept coming.

Registration for Japanese Language Classes for 2012 is now open, and the deadline for entering the Japanese Speech Contest is approaching fast! You can find more info under Japanese Cultural Programs & Services below.

2012 Board of Directors and bylaw changes were approved by member vote during the general meeting on November 6 at the John Igo Library. The new Board will be looking for committee chairs to help with specific events and activities!

2012 Membership is open. You can now manage your JASSA membership online and pay with PayPal, Credit Cards, or mail-in payments. Your JASSA user account will also let you make changes to your account, renew online for next year, or even set up automatic payments for renewals. Go to Membership for more information or to sign up.

Japan Relief: We continue to offer support and prayers to all affected by the Earthquake and Tsunami in March 2011. Please send your donations to the American Red Cross. For more information and opportunities to help:

• The Japan Society
• National Association of Japan America Societies (NAJAS)
• National Association of International Educators

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JAS-SA Events

The annual Matsuri festival in October offers an array of music, dance, foods, arts and crafts, martial arts, tea ceremony, flower arrangement, and miniature bonsai trees. JASSA also responds to many requests from schools to provide cultural activities for classes, clubs, and assemblies.

JASSA participates in the Annual Asian New Year Festival and Texas Folk Life Festival to bring Japanese foods, culture, and activities to thousands of people.

In support of Kumamoto En Japanese garden at the San Antonio Botanical Gardens, JASSA co-sponsors Kumamoto En Day, providing Japanese cultural, art, crafts and gardening demonstrations, along with tours of Kumamoto En. Proceeds go toward maintenance of the Kumamoto En.

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Japanese Cultural Programs & Services

If you are interested in a Japanese component at your school, university, library, or other organization, please see Japan Connection: A Network for All Things Japan.

JASSA regularly assists the office of the Consulate General in Houston with the Japanese Speech Contest held at San Antonio College.  The winners proceed to the State Contest.

Educational Activities include events such as the hosting of Mr Masaaki Imai, author of "Kaizen" and "Gemba Kaizen," who gave a lecture to over 150 members of the public. The event was co-sponsored by the City of San Antonio International Affairs Department. JASSA also sponsors Japanese Language classes for children and adults and Calligraphy Instruction.

JASSA coordinates an annual College Scholarship Program to promote mutual understanding of the cultures, business environments and people of the United States and Japan. Its purpose is to help strengthen the relationship between San Antonio and its Japanese sister city, Kumamoto, Japan. The program is funded by the generous donations of corporate donors and sponsors. Please click here for more information.

Hoshuko, or weekend school, is supported and operated by the Japanese Companies Association primarily so that Japanese children who are here temporarily will not fall far behind in their studies. The curriculum followed is that of the Japanese Ministry of Education. JASSA has helped to publicize the school and includes the students in performance at its events, especially the Matsuri.

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Japan-America Relations

Through its Sister City Committee, JASSA assists visiting groups and individuals who have come to San Antonio from Kumamoto. This has included meeting and greeting them at the airport, hosting pot luck dinners, serving as the rooting section for baseball teams, assisting TV and other reporters with stories, helping with translation for gardeners, and arranging for large groups of volunteers to assist at the Kumamoto Fair. 

Meetings of the Society are an opportunity to gather with others who are interested in Japan and its culture, whether it is for planning, networking, or just the chance to visit in English and Japanese with others who share that heritage.