About Our Programs & Events
Our events provide you with a direct experience of Japanese culture — from traditional arts to contemporary cuisine. Engage face-to-face with people who share your passion for cultural exchange, and deepen your understanding of their customs and lifestyles. Support the U.S.-Japan relationship one friendship at a time!
What we offer
Our Events
Mochitsuki New Year’s Celebration
Mochitsuki New Year’s Celebration
Annual Meeting & Members’ Social
Annual Meeting & Members’ Social
Japan America Friendship Night with the Texas Rangers
Japan America Friendship Night with the Texas Rangers
Otsukimi Moon-Viewing Festival
Otsukimi Moon-Viewing Festival
Bonenkai Forget-the-Year Party
Bonenkai Forget-the-Year Party
Pickleball Social
Pickleball Social
Dallas - Sendai International Friendship Cities
Dallas - Sendai International Friendship Cities
Mochitsuki New Year’s Celebration
Celebrate the New Year in true Japanese fashion! This family-friendly event offers:
- Live rice-pounding demonstrations
- Mochi (rice cake) samples
- Music and dance performances
- Hands-on calligraphy instruction
- Traditional children’s games
Dallas - Sendai International Friendship Cities
Dallas and Sendai, Japan officially became International Friendship Cities in 1997, signed by Mayor Ron Kirk and Mayor Hajimu Fujii. Since then, the partnership has grown through Dallas runner participation in the Sendai International Half-Marathon, Sendai runners joining the Dallas Marathon, the Dallas–Sendai Young Ambassadors Program, and many delegation exchanges. Over the years, hundreds of students, runners, and city representatives have traveled between the two cities, strengthening a lasting bond of friendship.
The depth of this relationship became especially clear following the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami on March 11, 2011. In response to the devastation in Sendai, residents across North Texas generously contributed over $186,000 to support the city’s recovery efforts, demonstrating the compassion and solidarity that characterize this enduring connection.
Sake Tasting and Lecture
A sampling of sake varieties paired with Japanese food:
- Lecture from expert on Japanese Sake
- Tasting of traditional and modern varieties
- Japanese cuisine to complement the sake
- Unique annual offerings, such as sochu
- Traditional children’s games
Japan America Friendship Night with the Texas Rangers
A celebration of Japan-America friendship through baseball! Cheer on the Texas Rangers and enjoy:
- Discounted ticket price
- Pre-game U.S.-Japan flag ceremony
- First pitch by a special guest
- Fun and friendship!
Otsukimi Moon-Viewing Festival
An unforgettable autumn night under the full moon, held in Frisco Square in Frisco, Texas. The festival features:
- Music performances
- Haiku poetry
- Obento (box dinner) picnic
- Art and cultural activity booths
- Telescopes for moon-gazing
Bonenkai Forget-the-Year Party
A holiday celebration with food, drinks, and lively conversation. The festival features:
- Japanese or Texas-themed cuisine
- Select beer, sake, or wine
- Festive atmosphere
- Door prizes
Cultural Outreach
Find us at festivals throughout the year, sharing Japanese culture with the community. Hands-on activities include calligraphy, origami, games, and more. Stop by our booth – or sign up to volunteer!
- Plano AsiaFest (May)
- Taste of Addison (May/June)
- Akimatsuri Fall Festival (September)
- Presentations at libraries, schools, camps
