Japan America Society of Southern California
 Building Japan-America Relationships Since 1909

The Japan America Society of Southern California is a recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit, charitable and educational organization consisting of individuals and corporations with an interest in Japan and in United States-Japan relations. We have been building Japan-America relationships since 1909.

Upcoming events

  • Japanese Kite Workshops 2026

    • Thursday, October 01, 2026
    • Friday, October 30, 2026
    • Selected Elementary Schools in Southern California


    - JASSC will contact selected schools directly with additional information -

    We are currently seeking sponsors:
    View Sponsorship Opportunities

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  • 2026 WLC Conference:

    • Thursday, December 10, 2026
    • 4:30 PM - 7:30 PM
    • Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP - 725 S. Figueroa Street, 36th Floor Los Angeles, CA 90017
    Register


    We invites you to an inspiring and empowering evening with Michele Lando, acclaimed communications strategist, #1 Amazon best-selling author, and motivational speaker. Drawing on her extensive experience helping leaders navigate complexity and change, Michele will share practical insights and actionable strategies to help professionals create greater capacity, clarity, and calm, even in the midst of chaos.


    Date & time:

    Thursday, December 10. 2026

       4:10pm     Registration

    4:30pm  Conference
    6:30pm  Networking Reception

    Conference Venue:
    Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP
    725 S. Figueroa Street, 36th Floor Los Angeles, CA 90017

    Admission:
    $20 JASSC Member / $50 Non-members

    Speaker 

    Michele Lando

    CEO & Founder, Skilset Communications, Inc.

    Michele Lando is the CEO / Founder of Skilset Communications, Inc, and is a highly successful communications strategist. She is the best-selling author of Create Demand For Your Brand. Her TEDx talk, “How to Align Your Purpose, Passion and Profit”, was inspired by her book.


    In support of companies achieving their goals and enhancing their cultures, Michele

    authors and delivers keynotes, customized training, facilitated workshops and Master

    Class Series'. She works with senior executives, emerging leaders and Fortune 500 teams,

    guiding them to most effectively lead and communicate to drive consistent business

    results.


    To ensure a maximized return on investment, all of her consulting, training and coaching

    is tailored to each client. Since launching in 1994, those clients have included American

    Express, Bank of America, Cisco Systems, Kaiser Permanente, Metropolitan Water District,

    Pacific Life, and Visa, to name a few.


    Michele grew up in Los Angeles, is a graduate of UCLA, and continues to reside in

    Southern California. As a sales strategist prior to establishing Skilset, she was amongst the

    top 2% of female earners nationally by age 28.

     

    SPONSORS




    SPONSORSHIP BENEFITS

    The Women’s Leadership Counts (WLC) 2025 conference is an excellent opportunity for sponsors to provide a platform for a diverse audience of professional women and men to receive inspiration and empowerment to achieve their career and personal goals. Sponsorship benefits include:

     Brand Differentiation – Strengthen your organization’s brand and build brand awareness
    Corporate Culture – Enhance your organization’s global diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives
    Connections – Build a global professional network and gain access to influential leaders and decision-makers



    About Women's Leadership Counts

    In 2014, the Japan America Society of Southern California's Women's Leadership Counts (WLC) initiative was created as a first-of-its-kind initiative to provide a platform for women in business on both sides of the Pacific to engage in professional and leadership development. 

    Together with our partner organizations, business executives and community leaders, the WLC will create a network that inspires action and moves the needle on women's leadership.

    WLC's Mission Statement

    To provide an inclusive and diverse platform for women in business to engage in professional and global leadership development.

    Who Should Attend

    Current and future corporate, business, academic, non-profit and entrepreneurial women and men leaders who value the U.S-Japan collaboration and wish to expand their networks.

    Why You Should Attend

     LEARN from global leaders – Understanding the culture of the parent  company, management, or client from Japan or overseas is key to having a successful career.

     DISCOVER your potential – Build leadership and management skills and navigate through unique corporate culture in a professional environment.

     INVEST in yourself – Exchange ideas as well as challenges you are facing with peers and mentors, and learn tactics to advance your career. 

     BUILD your professional network – Meet a diverse group of women and men representing a wide variety of industries.





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  • Benkyoukai 2027

    • Friday, February 05, 2027
    • 5:00 PM
    • Friday, February 26, 2027
    • 6:30 PM
    • Zoom
    • 100


    Registration opens in mid-December 2026

    What is the "Benkyoukai"?

    The Japan Bowl® of California "Benkyoukai" is a free virtual study and cultural exchange program hosted by the Japan America Society of Southern California for high school students studying Japanese.

    For 2027, the Japan America Society of Southern California is offering Benkyoukai sessions to students of all proficiency levels (Levels 2, 3, and 4), free of charge.

    While Benkyoukai is designed to support students preparing for the National Japan Bowl®, any high school student studying Japanese is welcome to participate, regardless of whether they plan to compete.


    Session Schedule

    Session 1: Friday, February 5 | 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM (PT)
    Session 2: Friday, February 12 | 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM (PT)
    Session 3: Friday, February 19 | 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM (PT)
    Cultural Day: Friday, February 26 | 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM (PT)

    *Schedule subject to change
    *Students are welcome to participate even if they cannot attend every session.


    Session Details

    Each session will feature original lectures by Japanese university students on a wide range of topics related to Japanese society, culture, and current trends.

    After each presentation, participants will be divided into small breakout rooms by language proficiency level to practice conversational Japanese with the university students and other attendees.


    Who Can Participate in the "Benkyoukai"?

    Benkyoukai is open to high school students across North America who are studying Japanese.
    Due to limited capacity, registration will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Please Note:
    Benkyoukai is mainly intended for students studying for the     National Japan Bowl®. While some parts of the presentations may be challenging for beginners, conversation practice will be organized by proficiency level.

    *The content of Benkyoukai may be recorded and could be shared externally.


    What is "Cultural Day"?

    Cultural Day is the final session of Benkyoukai, designed for participants to enjoy a fun and engaging cultural lecture as a reward for all their hard work. We invite a special guest speaker from either Japan or the U.S. to present on a fascinating topic related to Japanese culture.

    ▼ Cultural Day Guest Speaker

    Misato Wheeler
    Founder of IKIGAI MATCHA®, a Japan-born matcha lifestyle brand

    Misato Wheeler is the founder of IKIGAI MATCHA®, a Japan-born matcha lifestyle brand. Through the Japanese concepts of ikigai and matcha, she inspires people to nurture both mind and body while embracing a healthier, more meaningful lifestyle.

    A mother of two, Misato will relocate to Maryland, USA, in Spring 2027. She is the Founder and Representative of the International Matcha Advisor Association, a Certified Kanagawa Prefecture Tour Guide, an Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan exhibitor, and an Ambassador for the Kanagawa–Maryland Sister State Relationship. She also has extensive experience collaborating with luxury brand events.


    Program Sponsors

    Learn More About Temple University, Japan Campus (TUJ)

    How to Apply | Eligibility Requirements | Deadlines | Scholarships | Tuition and Fees | U.S. Financial Aid (FAFSA) | GI Bill and Veterans Benefits | Transfer Credits | Student Visa | Majors | Open Campus | Meet our Student Ambassadors | FAQ



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  • Japan Currents 2027: Save the Date

    • Tuesday, March 16, 2027
    • 3:30 PM - 7:00 PM
    • Loyola Marymount University (LMU) – University Hall

    Please save the date and stay tuned for more information, including the conference theme, speakers, and registration details.

    More details coming soon!

    Please note that the information below is tentative and subject to change.

    Tuesday, March 16, 2027 

    3:30 PM  Registration Begins
    4:00 - 6:00 PM Seminar
    6:00 -7:00 PM Networking Reception 

    In-person attendance is strongly encouraged for local participants.
    Virtual participation via Zoom is available for non-local participants during the Seminar only.

    Time Zones for Virtual Attendees:
    • Eastern Time (ET): 7:00–9:00 PM
    • Japan Standard Time (JST): Wednesday, March 17, 8:00–10:00 AM

    Location 
    Loyola Marymount University – University Hall
    1 LMU Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90045

    Admission
    Free

      Parking: Paid parking is available on campus ($15 per vehicle, payable onsite). 

      Show details

     E.N.G.A.G.E with us.  Support now!

    E.N.G.A.G.E. (Enrich, Nurture, Guide and Grow through Education)

    At the Japan America Society of Southern California, we believe in the power of culture to build a brighter, more interconnected world. Our student and young professionals programs are designed to foster education about Japan and also build understanding, collaboration, and lifelong friendships between young people in Japan and the United States. But we cannot do it alone – we need your help.

    Why Your Support Matters:

    Help sustain and grow our legacy educational programs like the Japan America Kite Festival®  Japanese kite making workshops that serve LA area under-resourced elementary school children, Japan Bowl® of California Benkyoukai that prepare U.S. high school students for the annual National Japan Bowl® competition, and our Women’s Leadership Counts Initiative Young Professionals Workshops that strategically support career development of young professionals on both sides of the Pacific.

    • Empower Youth: By contributing, you enable students and young professionals to engage in life-changing cultural and educational opportunities.
    • Build Bridges: Your donation helps bridge the gap between the Japanese and American cultures, fostering mutual respect and global cooperation.
    • Create Leaders: Our programs nurture future leaders who will drive positive change and international understanding.

    Join Us in Making a Difference:

    • Donate Today!! Your financial support is crucial in providing educational resources, and enabling our world-class programs.

    Together, we can create a future where young minds are enriched through cultural  understanding and enhanced knowledge about Japan and the U.S.

    E.N.G.A.G.E. the Japan America Society student and young professional programs today and be a part of a creating a better tomorrow, today.

    Thank you for your generosity and commitment to fostering international friendship and cooperation.

    How You Can Help!

    There are many ways to support JASSC fulfill our non-profit mission:

              

    ©2025 Japan America Society of Southern California
    1411 W. 190th Street, Suite 360, Gardena, CA 90248

    tel (310) 965-9050    fax (310) 965-9010   email info@jas-socal.org

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