Japan America Society of Southern California

   Building Japan-America Relationships Since 1909

  • Home

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.


 E.N.G.A.G.E with us.  Support now!

https://www.jas-socal.org/donate 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.

Upcoming events

  • JAPAN CURRENTS 2025 - U.S. and Japan: Shaping AI Standards for Good

    • Friday, March 21, 2025
    • 3:30 PM - 7:00 PM
    • Loyola Marymount University
    Register



    Japan America Society of Southern California

    and

    Loyola Marymount University


    Japan Currents 2025 Seminar


    U.S. and Japan: Shaping AI Standards for Good

    Friday, March 21, 2025 

    3:30PM  Registration Begins

    4:00 - 6:00PM Seminar

    6:00 -7:00PM Networking Reception 


      Location: Loyola Marymount University, Hilton Center for Business,

      Hilton 100 - 1 LMU Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90045 


      Admission to Japan Currents 2025 Conference

      JASSC Members & Cooperating Organization Members - $50

      Non-Members - $75

      Students - Free

         Parking - $15 per vehicle payable onsite. This fee is not included in the registration fee.

        This in-person event will feature keynote speeches and panel discussions on the role of the U.S. and Japan in shaping global AI standards, featuring The Honorable Taro Kono, The Honorable Jerry McNerney, PhD, and The Honorable Matthew McGuire, PhD. The discussion will be moderated by Elizabeth Vella Moeller.

        Join our esteemed speakers as they explore the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence and the responsibilities of the U.S. and Japan in setting ethical, transparent, and secure AI standards. Topics will include the policy frameworks necessary to ensure AI benefits society, the geopolitical and economic implications of AI leadership, and how the U.S.-Japan partnership can drive innovation while safeguarding global digital security.

        Don’t miss this opportunity to gain insights from leading experts and policymakers on one of the most pressing technological challenges of our time.


        Featured Speakers


        The Honorable
        Taro Kono

        Member of the House of Representatives of Japan,
        Former Minister for Digital Transformation

        Included among the many leadership positions held by Minister Kono during his distinguished career are Minister of Defense, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Minister in charge of COVID-19 Vaccine Roll-out and Chairman of the National Public Safety Commission. Minister Kono is a graduate of the School of Foreign Service, Georgetown University and in his role as Honorary Kissinger Fellow (2023-2024) at the McCain Institute, Minister Kono used his vast diplomatic and policymaking experience to advance the concept of Data Free Flow with Trust (DFFT), an international framework for data sharing that bolsters security among like-minded countries and counters autocrats’ approach to global data governance.



        The Honorable
        Jerry McNerney, PhD

        California State Senator,

        Chair of California Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee

        Senator Jerry McNerney is a distinguished leader in AI governance, technology policy, and clean energy innovation. As leader of the California AI Leadership Initiative (CALI Act), Senator McNerney is playing a pivotal role in advancing AI standards in California—a state that is home to over 80% of the world’s AI companies. Known as “Mr. Science” during his sixteen years in the U.S. Congress, McNerney authored the AI in Government Act and co-chaired the Congressional AI Caucus, earning national recognition for his data-driven approach to policy. Senator McNerney’s unique blend of scientific expertise, legislative acumen, and international collaboration positions him as a global leader on AI innovation and regulation.




        The Honorable
        Matthew McGuire, PhD

        Executive Director, The AI Trust Foundation

        Former U.S. Executive Director, The World Bank

        Matthew McGuire is the Executive Director of The AI Trust Foundation and former U.S. Executive Director of the World Bank, where he led global economic initiatives and strategic operations. Previously, Matt served as Director of the Office of Business Liaison at the U.S. Department of Commerce, managing key relationships with global business leaders and policymakers. With a background as a senior executive in the financial services industry and deep experience in nonprofit leadership, Matt has worked on workforce development and affordable housing programs in the U.S. and abroad. He holds a Ph.D. in Anthropology from Harvard University and a B.A. from Brown University.


         



        Elizabeth Vella Moeller

        Partner, Government Law & Strategies,

        Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP

        Elizabeth is a nationally recognized leader in AI law, policy, and governance, driving impactful change at the intersection of technology and society. Named a Top 50 Woman in AI, a leading lawyer by Chambers USA, and a Top Lobbyist by The Hill, she brings over two decades of expertise in navigating complex legal and policy challenges. As Co-Founder and General Counsel of The AI Trust Foundation, she collaborates with industry, policymakers, and academia to promote ethical AI standards. A UCLA Law JD and UC Berkeley BA graduate, she leverages her California roots to bridge technology, law, and public good in Washington, D.C., and California.


        Show details

      How You Can Help!

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

                

      ©2024 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

      Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software