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

    • Friday, February 06, 2026
    • 5:00 PM
    • Friday, February 27, 2026
    • 6:30 PM
    • Zoom

    We are pleased to announce that Benkyoukai will be held again on the following dates!

    Registration will open in early January.


    What is the "Benkyoukai?"

    The Japan Bowl® of California “Benkyoukai” is a virtual study and cultural exchange program hosted by the Japan America Society of Southern California for high school students participating in the National Japan Bowl® (April 17–18, 2026).

    For 2026, the Japan America Society of Southern California offered the "Benkyoukai" sessions to student of ALL LEVELS (Level 2, 3, and 4) free of charge!


    Session Schedule

    Session 1: Friday, February 6 | 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM (PT)
    Session 2: Friday, February 13 | 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM (PT)
    Session 3: Friday, February 20 | 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM (PT)
    Cultural Day: Friday, February 27 | 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM (PT)

    *Schedule subject to change

    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 enjoy Japanese conversation with the university students and other attendees.


    Who Can Participate in the "Benkyoukai?"

    High school students currently studying Japanese and living in Southern California are eligible to participate in Benkyoukai.

    Due to limited capacity, registration will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

    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.


    • Tuesday, March 17, 2026
    • Loyola Marymount University (LMU) – University Hall

    We are excited to announce that Japan Currents 2026 will be held on the following date:

    Date: Tuesday, March 17, 2026
    Venue: Loyola Marymount University (LMU) – University Hall

    The event theme and speakers will be announced once confirmed. Please stay tuned for updates!

 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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