BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Japan America Society of DFW - ECPv6.16.5//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Japan America Society of DFW X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://jasdfw.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Japan America Society of DFW REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:UTC BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:UTC DTSTART:20250101T000000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260510T100000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260514T180000 DTSTAMP:20260304T223500Z CREATED:20250118T210615Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260304T223500Z UID:39580-1778407200-1778781600@jasdfw.org SUMMARY:2026 Sendai International Half Marathon — Run\, Connect\, and Represent Dallas! DESCRIPTION:Experience a Race Like No Other\nTwo athletic ambassadors representing the city of Dallas at the internationally recognized 2026 Sendai International Half Marathon have been selected by the members from Japan-America Society\, Japan Airlines\, and the City of Dallas. The runners will compete in the May 10\, 2026 event\, tour the beautiful city of Sendai\, meet athletes from around the world\, and help strengthen the friendship between Dallas and Sendai through sports and cultural exchange. \n  \nExperience a Race Like No Other\nTwo athletic ambassadors representing the city of Dallas at the internationally recognized 2026 Sendai International Half Marathon have been selected by the members from Japan-America Society\, Japan Airlines\, and the City of Dallas. The runners will compete in the May 10\, 2026 event\, tour the beautiful city of Sendai\, meet athletes from around the world\, and help strengthen the friendship between Dallas and Sendai through sports and cultural exchange.\nEligibility:\nApplication is open to amateur runners who are U.S. citizens\, at least 18 years old\, and who live\, work\, or train in Dallas. Applicants must record a qualifying time (Men: 1 hr. 40 min. | Women: 1 hr. 50 min.) in one of these events:\n– DRC Half Marathon*\n– Dallas Marathon Half*\n– Other half marathon or marathon (split time) since January 1\, 2025\n* These events have higher consideration.\nApply Here:  2026 Half Marathon Application Form\nA completed application form and statement of interest must be sent by email to info@jasdfw.org and received by noon on Monday\, January 5\, 2026.\nTimeline (Travel schedule is subject to change):\nMonday\, January 5\, 2026 Application Deadline\nTuesday\, May 5 Depart Dallas to Sendai\nSunday\, May 10 Sendai Half Marathon\nWednesday May 13 Return to Dallas \nAlfonzo Gonzalez Jr\nSarah Wagner URL:https://jasdfw.org/event/2026-sendai-international-half-marathon-run-connect-and-represent-dallas/ LOCATION:TX CATEGORIES:Dallas-Sendai ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://jasdfw.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/1109.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth":MAILTO:info@jasdfw.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260523T130000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260523T150000 DTSTAMP:20260505T165843Z CREATED:20260505T165451Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260505T165843Z UID:54347-1779541200-1779548400@jasdfw.org SUMMARY:Experience the music of Studio Ghibli performed live by Nova Pangea. DESCRIPTION:For fans of Studio Ghibli & anime. MA is a free family-friendly event. A tribute to the music of Studio Ghibli — May 23 at the Fretz Library. Cosplayers are welcome. Join us.\n \n GET TICKETS URL:https://jasdfw.org/event/experience-the-music-of-studio-ghibli-performed-live-by-nova-pangea/ LOCATION:Fretz Park Branch Library\, 6990 Belt Line Road\, Dallas\, TX\, 75254\, United States CATEGORIES:Culture & Community ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://jasdfw.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-05-at-11.55.14-AM.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260624 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260626 DTSTAMP:20260609T031449Z CREATED:20260609T030427Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260609T031449Z UID:54764-1782259200-1782431999@jasdfw.org SUMMARY:Smile for Nippon: Support the Noto Peninsula Earthquake Project DESCRIPTION:About the Project\nJapan recently faced another major disaster with the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake. \nTsun-san\, also known as Captain Chonmage\, is well known for his iconic appearance featuring a traditional Japanese topknot hairstyle (chonmage) and samurai armor. For many years\, he has dedicated himself to supporting disaster-stricken communities and individuals with special needs throughout Japan. \nFollowing the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011\, he began extensive volunteer and relief activities in the affected areas. He also produced the documentary film MARCH\, which tells the story of young people in Fukushima rebuilding their lives and pursuing their dreams after the disaster. (More information about MARCH can be found here.) \nAt the same time\, Tsun-san is a passionate supporter of Japanese soccer. Since 2014\, he has organized opportunities for students from disaster-affected communities to attend international soccer events\, including three consecutive FIFA World Cups. Through these experiences\, students are able to broaden their horizons\, connect with people from around the world\, and gain confidence for their future. \n\n Photo: Captain Chonmage\, also known as Tsun-san\, interacting with supporters of the opposing team (Colombia) during the Brazil World Cup\n  \nThis summer\, a group of students from the Noto Peninsula—many of whom experienced the devastating earthquake firsthand—will travel to Dallas to cheer on the Japan National Team. The trip is intended to provide them with a meaningful cultural experience and an opportunity to look toward the future with hope and confidence. \nAt present\, only 80% of the students’ travel expenses have been covered. All donations received between June 9 and June 24 (until 12:00 PM) will go directly toward the remaining travel costs. Any contribution\, no matter the amount\, will help make this opportunity possible for these students. \nThank you for your generosity and support. Together\, we can help these young people create positive memories\, discover new possibilities\, and take another step toward their future. \n \n Donate URL:https://jasdfw.org/event/smile-for-nippon-support-the-noto-peninsula-earthquake-project/ LOCATION:TX CATEGORIES:Culture & Community,Partner Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://jasdfw.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Smile-for-Nippon.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260613T180000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260613T200000 DTSTAMP:20260514T182904Z CREATED:20260514T182407Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260514T182904Z UID:54543-1781373600-1781380800@jasdfw.org SUMMARY:“Japan Day: Ultras Meets Plano” Brings International Soccer Culture to Downtown Plano DESCRIPTION:As DFW prepares to host nine World Cup matches this summer\, the celebration begins in Plano the night before the first featured match between Japan and the Netherlands. In partnership with Ultras Nippon\, the event will bring together soccer fans\, music lovers\, and cultural communities for an energetic evening centered around the global spirit of the game. \nGuests can expect live music\, a Japanese musician and DJ performance\, food and drinks\, a full bar\, and a one-of-a-kind cultural exchange experience connecting Plano and Japan through soccer culture. \nThe evening will also feature a supporter cheer exchange between Japan National Team supporters\, Ultras Nippon\, and FC Dallas supporters\, the Dallas Beer Guardians. A live talk session featuring soccer figures is also planned\, with speaker announcements coming soon. \n“This event is about more than soccer\,” said Plano Mayor John Muns. “It’s about culture\, community\, music\, and creating connections between people from around the world right here in Downtown Plano.” \n“Japan Day: Ultras Meets Plano” is not a game watch party or broadcast event. It is a live\, in-person celebration designed to bring fans together ahead of an exciting international summer in North Texas. The event is open to everyone. \nMcCall Plaza is easily accessible via the DART Red Line and Silver Line\, making it easy for visitors across DFW to join the celebration. \n \n MORE INFORMATION URL:https://jasdfw.org/event/japan-day-ultras-meets-plano-brings-international-soccer-culture-to-downtown-plano/ LOCATION:McCall Plaza in the Historic Downtown Plano Arts District\, 998 E 15th St.\, Plano\, TX\, 75074\, United States CATEGORIES:Culture & Community,Partner Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://jasdfw.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2fa9248800ec9d998edfc772a2fbae738e9faed8.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260616T190000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260616T203000 DTSTAMP:20260527T151301Z CREATED:20260527T142354Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260527T151301Z UID:54672-1781636400-1781641800@jasdfw.org SUMMARY:Greenlight to Freedom: Stories from North Korean Refugees DESCRIPTION:For many families in North Korea\, famine and dire hardship are commonplace\, and many struggle to survive. Refugee Songmi Han\, who escaped from the country in 2011\, will share her perilous and gripping account of life under a military state. She found the courage to tell her story a decade later\, penning a memoir\, Greenlight to Freedom\, co-authored with Casey Lartigue Jr. \nJoining Han on stage to share additional stories of freedom from North Korea will be Lartigue and Eunkoo Lee\, the co-founders of Freedom Speakers International\, based in Seoul and a tax-deductible 501(c)3 in the USA. Since 2013\, FSI has empowered more than 700 North Korean refugees through English education\, public speaking\, and career development. \n\nREGISTER URL:https://jasdfw.org/event/greenlight-to-freedom-stories-from-north-korean-refugees/ LOCATION:Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum\, 300 N. Houston Street\, Dallas\, TX\, 75202\, United States CATEGORIES:Partner Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://jasdfw.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/servlet.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260618T180000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260618T193000 DTSTAMP:20260527T150633Z CREATED:20260527T150402Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260527T150633Z UID:54680-1781805600-1781811000@jasdfw.org SUMMARY:Greenlight to Freedom: Stories from North Korean Refugees DESCRIPTION:Join Greenlight to Freedom author Songmi Han\, co-author and FSI co-founder Casey Lartigue\, and FSI co-founder Eunkoo Lee for an evening of storytelling in honor of World Refugee Day.  \n \n REGISTER URL:https://jasdfw.org/event/greenlight-to-freedom-stories-from-north-korean-refugees-2/ LOCATION:Tarleton State Fort Worth\, 10850 Texan Rider Dr.\, Crowley\, TX\, 76036\, United States CATEGORIES:Partner Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://jasdfw.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-27-at-9.51.34-AM.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260618T180000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260618T203000 DTSTAMP:20260602T160324Z CREATED:20260527T211121Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260602T160324Z UID:54693-1781805600-1781814600@jasdfw.org SUMMARY:56th Annual Meeting and Social DESCRIPTION:Guest speakers include Monica Paul\, the Executive Director of the Dallas Sports Commission\, the chief figure in scoring the 9 World Cup games in Dallas\, the most of any cities hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup and Fumie Suguri\, 5 times Japan national figure skating champion and two-time Olympian representing Japan. \nDate: Thursday\, June 18\, 2026\nLocation: Hyatt Regency Frisco\, 2615 Preston Rd.\, Frisco\, TX 75034\nParking: Free parking available\nDress Code: Business casual \n \nAgenda:\n6:00-7:00 pm Registration\, Networking\, Social\n7:00-7:30 pm JASDFW business meeting\, election of board members\n7:30-8:00 pm Keynote speaker and panel discussion\n8:00-8:30 pm Continue networking and social \nThe event will be held at the premier Hyatt Regency Frisco. \nAt our annual gathering\, we are excited to honor the dedicated members\, sponsors\, supporters\, and friends who embody the spirit of the Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth. This event is a wonderful opportunity to connect\, exchange ideas\, and build new relationships that further our mission of promoting Japanese culture\, making meaningful connections\, and friendship in the DFW metroplex. \nThe event will feature a special speakers Monica Paul\, instrumental in bringing FIFA World Cup games to Dallas and provide “behind the scenes” stories on the FIFA World Cup games. \nAlso speaking will be Fumie Suguri\, five-time Japanese National Figure Skating Champion\, two-time Olympian\, three-time World Championship medalist\, and the first Japanese woman to win the Grand Prix Final. \nTicket Price includes three types of meat carving stations\, served as appetizers during networking session\, non-alcoholic drinks\, and sake. \nMembers & Employees of JASDFW Member Companies: $50 \nNon-Members: $60 \nThis event is open to public and requires registration. \n\nGET TICKETS\n \nAbout Speakers\n \nMonica Paul\nExecutive Director of the Dallas Sports Commission & President of the North Texas FWC Organizing Committee\nAs the Executive Director for the Dallas Sports Commission\, Monica Paul plays an essential role in implementing bid strategies and marketing programs that enhance Dallas’ acquisition of sports competitions and events\, including solicitation of Olympic\, professional\, collegiate and amateur sports.  Paul also works closely with professional leagues\, the NCAA\, Olympic National Governing Bodies and amateur sports federations\, promoting Dallas as a premier destination for events\, conventions and meetings. Paul serves as the President of the North Texas FWC Organizing Committee and her efforts proved instrumental in Dallas being named a Host City for FIFA World Cup 26 and securing nine matches during the tournament\, more than any other market in 2026. \nPrior to joining Visit Dallas in 2008\, Paul was the Associate Director of Events at USA Volleyball\, where she oversaw the international events for the USA Women’s and Men’s National Teams and served as Director of Competition for the 2007 National Senior Games in Louisville\, Kentucky. Before that\, Paul served as Director of International and Domestic Events for USA Taekwondo\, and Director of Events\, Marketing and Sponsorships for the Junior Volleyball Association of Austin. \nPaul earned a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education at the University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Arts in Sports Administration from the University of Northern Colorado. She currently serves on the SMU Athletic Forum Board of Directors\, Cotton Bowl Classic Board of Directors\, the Jason Witten’s SCORE Foundation Board of Directors\, Women in Sports & Events (WISE) DFW Chapter Advisory Board\, and the University of North Texas Sports Entertainment Management Industry Advisory Board. She was selected as the DCEO Non-profit and Corporate Citizenship Award Winner in Leadership Excellence in 2023\, DCEO’s Dallas 500 in 2022-2024\, Women in Business honoree by Dallas Business Journal in 2020\, and in 2015 she was honored as one of Connect Sports’ Top IX Women in the Sport Tourism Industry. \nPaul taught Contemporary Issues in Sport Management at Southern Methodist University and is also a licensed real estate agent and realtor. \n \nFumie Suguri\nFumie Suguri\, five-time Japanese National Figure Skating Champion\, two-time Olympian\, three-time World Championship medalist\, and the first Japanese woman to win the Grand Prix Final. Now a Frisco resident\, Fumie will share her journey from the world stage to North Texas\, the pressures of international competition\, and her passion for building bridges between the Japanese and American communities here in the Dallas region. URL:https://jasdfw.org/event/56th-annual-meeting-and-social/ LOCATION:Hyatt Regency Frisco\, 2615 Preston Rd.\, Frisco\, TX\, 75034\, United States CATEGORIES:Business & Networking ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://jasdfw.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Hyatt-Regency-c08b1e515056a36_c08b1f76-5056-a36a-0778c6887af7d835.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth":MAILTO:info@jasdfw.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260626T183000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260626T200000 DTSTAMP:20260610T194034Z CREATED:20260609T024653Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260610T194034Z UID:54755-1782498600-1782504000@jasdfw.org SUMMARY:Award Winning Documentary “MARCH” Movie Screening DESCRIPTION:Event Description\nDate: June 26\, 2026 6:30 – 8:00pmLocation: Think Tank Conference room on first floor500 North Central ExpresswayPlano\, TX 75074 \n  \nOn March 11\, 2011\, northeastern Japan was struck by one of the most powerful earthquakes ever recorded. The disaster triggered a massive tsunami and led to the Fukushima nuclear accident\, leaving a lasting impact on the region and its people. \nNow\, nearly ten years after the documentary was filmed and fifteen years after the Great East Japan Earthquake\, this screening provides an opportunity to reflect on how Fukushima has changed and to consider where the people featured in the film are today. \n  \n Free Event: Registration Required\n \n https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNj55SkX5gM \n  \nFilm synopsis\nThis documentary follows a junior high and elementary school marching band located 25.3 kilometers (15.7 miles) from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. After the earthquake\, tsunami\, and nuclear disaster\, the band members were temporarily scattered across Japan. Refusing to give up on their dream of performing together again at a national competition\, the students appealed to their parents and instructors and eventually resumed their activities. \nThe film captures their determination and resilience\, as well as the support they received from the soccer community that reached out to help them. Filmed between July 2015 and January 2016\, the documentary portrays the reality of Fukushima five years after the Great East Japan Earthquake and its aftermath. \nDirector：Kazuhiko NakamuraProducer：Hirokazu TsunodaProduction：Movie MARCH Production CommitteeLanguage: Japanese (English subtitles)Duration: 60 minutes \nAwards & Recognition\nThe documentary MARCH has received international recognition for its powerful portrayal of resilience and recovery in post-disaster Fukushima. \n\n2017 – London International Filmmaker Festival of World CinemaRecipient of the Best Foreign Language Documentary Award.\n2017 – Nice International Filmmaker Festival of World CinemaRecipient of the Best Director of a Foreign Language Documentary Award.\n\nSupporting the Next Generation\nJapan has also recently faced another major disaster in 2024: the Noto Peninsula Earthquake. In response\, the film’s producer continues to support students in affected communities by creating opportunities for them to broaden their horizons and connect with the world beyond Japan through Japan’s soccer community. \nThis summer\, a group of students from the Noto Peninsula—many of whom experienced the devastating earthquake firsthand—will travel to Dallas to cheer on the Japan National Team. The trip is intended to provide them with a meaningful cultural experience and an opportunity to look toward the future with hope and confidence.At present\, only 80% of the students’ travel expenses have been covered. All donations received between June 9 and June 24 (until 12:00 PM) will go directly toward the remaining travel costs. Any contribution\, no matter the amount\, will help make this opportunity possible for these students. \nThank you for your generosity and support. \n \n Donate Now URL:https://jasdfw.org/event/award-winning-documentary-march-movie-screening/ LOCATION:Think Tank Conference Room\, 500 North Central Expressway\, Plano\, TX\, 75074\, United States CATEGORIES:Culture & Community ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://jasdfw.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/MARCH.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth":MAILTO:info@jasdfw.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260926T180000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260926T210000 DTSTAMP:20260622T160948Z CREATED:20260622T160229Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260622T160948Z UID:54889-1790445600-1790456400@jasdfw.org SUMMARY:Otsukimi Japanese Moon Viewing Festival DESCRIPTION:Celebrate the beauty of the full moon and the hope for a bountiful harvest with Japan-America Society of Dallas Fort Worth (JASDFW)! URL:https://jasdfw.org/event/otsukimi-japanese-moon-viewing-festival/ LOCATION:Haggard Park\, 901 E 15th St\, Plano\, TX\, 75074\, United States CATEGORIES:Culture & Community ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://jasdfw.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/event.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR