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

  • JASSC 116th Anniversary Dinner & Gala Celebration

    • Thursday, October 16, 2025
    • 6:30 PM - 10:00 PM
    • The Biltmore Los Angeles
    Register


    Thursday, October 16, 2025

    6:30pm  Check-in
    7pm Reception
    8pm   Dinner & Gala Celebration

    PLACE

    The Biltmore Los Angeles
    506 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90071

     Map & Directions

    ATTIRE

    Cocktail or Business

    PARKING

    Parking will be complimentary as we will provide validation

    TICKETS & SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

    Click here for the 116th Gala Sponsorship Brochure

    Individual Seats are $450 per guest
    Table Sponsorship begin at $6,500


    Your participation will make educational programs possible that benefit children attending Title I programs (i.e., schools serving a high percentage of children from low-income families). The programs you will help make possible include the Kite Workshops, and Japan Bowl of California. 


    スポンサーシップ

    アニバーサリーディナーの寄付金や協賛金は、南加日米協会が開催する教育プログラムを継続するための重要な資金源となっております。Title I プログラム（NCLB第 1 章で定められた不利な状況にある児童・生徒の学力の向上に向けた取組に対する財政支援） に参加している学校に通う低所得層の生徒が対象で、和凧作製ワークショップや、ジャパンボウルオブカリフォルニアなどのプログラムを開催しています。


    For additional information about  attractive sponsorship opportunities, please contact Chie McHaffie at mchaffie@jas-socal.org.

    GALA TRIBUTE BOOK 

    Increase your company's visibility and marketing outreach!  To place an ad in the Gala Tribute Book, please contact Chie McHaffie at mchaffie@jas-socal.org.


    International Citizens Award - 国際市民賞


    Frank Buckley

    Frank Buckley is the award-winning co-anchor of KTLA 5 Morning News, hosting the flagship weekday broadcast from 7:00–11:00 AM. He joined KTLA in June 2005 after serving as a correspondent with KCAL‑TV and CNN.

    Buckley also hosts the nationally syndicated weekly show and podcast “Frank Buckley Interviews”, and co-anchors “Inside California Politics”. Throughout his career, he has reported on major international and regional events, including hurricanes in the Caribbean, earthquakes in Kobe and Northridge, wildfires in Southern California, the Los Angeles riots, and high-profile trials such as O.J. Simpson.

    In recognition of his longstanding efforts to strengthen Japan–U.S. relations, Buckley received the Consul General’s Commendation from the Japanese Consulate in Los Angeles in September 2024. He was also an early member of the U.S.–Japan Council, and participated in the 2006 Japanese American Leadership Delegation to Japan.

    Frank frequently lends his voice and presence to community engagement events, serving as an MC and host for organizations such as JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles, the Japanese American National Museum, and the Japan–America Society of Southern California—where he is also honored as this year’s recipient of the Kokusai Shimin Sho (International Citizens Award) for his exemplary public service and community leadership.



    Mikio Toki

    Mikio Toki is a master of traditional Edo-style kite making and a beloved cultural ambassador of Japan. Since 2001, he has visited Southern California annually to lead the Japan America Society of Southern California’s Japanese Kite Workshops, teaching thousands of local elementary school students—many from under-resourced communities—how to illustrate, construct, and fly handmade kites using washi paper and bamboo. Through these workshops, Toki has introduced Japanese culture to more than 18,000 children in Southern California.

    Born in Tokyo in 1950, Toki was drawn to kites from a young age and pursued formal training in graphic design. He later apprenticed under the founder of the Edo Kite Preservation Society, Katsuhisa Ota, and became known for his beautifully painted Edo kites that feature samurai, mythical creatures, and traditional symbols rendered in sumi ink and vibrant colors. His kites are works of art that come to life in the sky.

    In addition to his artistry, Toki has dedicated his life to education and cultural exchange, sharing his work at major venues like Walt Disney World and the Smithsonian Museum. His legacy continues through his daughter, Asami, who is also a kite maker.

    JASSC is proud to present Mikio Toki with the Kokusai Shimin Sho (International Citizens Award) in recognition of his lifelong dedication to cultural outreach and Japan–U.S. friendship.

     

    Next Generation Rising Star Award


    美麗-Bi-ray-

    美麗-Bi-ray- is an emerging J-pop girl group produced by legendary musician YOSHIKI, known for his work with X Japan and global collaborations. Launched in 2024, 美麗-Bi-ray- made an immediate impact with their debut single “Butterfly,” showcasing a bold blend of powerful vocals, captivating choreography, and a fresh, international appeal. The group’s name, “美麗-Bi-ray-”, symbolizes a duality of light and strength—embodying beauty, diversity, and forward-looking creativity.

    Handpicked through a competitive global audition, 美麗-Bi-ray-’s members hail from diverse backgrounds, united by a shared passion for music and performance. Under YOSHIKI’s mentorship, they are redefining what it means to be a next-generation global pop act, blending traditional Japanese influences with modern pop sensibilities.

    In recognition of their artistic promise and cross-cultural influence, the Japan America Society of Southern California is proud to present 美麗-Bi-ray- with the Next Generation Rising Star Award. As they rise to international stages, 美麗-Bi-ray- represents the bright future of global cultural exchange and the enduring power of music to connect people—citizen to citizen.


    Master of Ceremonies


    Mitchell T. Maki

    Dr. Mitchell T. Maki is the President and CEO of the Go For Broke National Education Center, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving the legacy of Nisei World War II veterans. A leading scholar on the Japanese American redress movement, he is the author of the award-winning book Achieving the Impossible Dream: How Japanese Americans Obtained Redress, which received the Gustavus Myers Outstanding Book Award.

    He has held senior academic leadership roles at California State University, Dominguez Hills and UCLA, and is recognized internationally as a speaker on social justice and civil rights. Dr. Maki earned his Ph.D. and M.S.W. from the University of Southern California and is a licensed clinical social worker.


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  • Japanese Kite Workshops

    • Monday, October 20, 2025
    • Friday, October 24, 2025
    • Selected Elementary Schools in Southern California

    - Applications for 2025 are now closed -

    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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