Experience a beloved Japanese New Year tradition — pounding and sharing mochi to welcome health, happiness, and community in the year ahead.
2026 Sun & Star Legacy Award Recipient
Event Highlights:
- Live Mochitsuki (mochi-pounding) demonstrations
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Over 2,000 participants at UT Dallas campus
- Freshly made mochi — soft, chewy, and delicious!
- Traditional Japanese New Year games & performances
- Fun activities for all ages
- Display of Nengajo (New Year’s greeting card) contest winners from JASDFW outreach schools
- Sponsored by Crow Museum of Asian Art and The University of Texas at Dallas’ Center for Asian Studies, & Mitsuwa Marketplace
2026 Sun & Star Bridges to Friendship Award Recipient
Legend of "Moon Rabbit”
Similar to how in America we often point out “The Man in the Moon” when we look at the full moon at night, the Japanese and various other Asian cultures see the “Moon Rabbit.” The Japanese believe that the Moon Rabbit is pounding rice into a paste that will be made into mochi rice cakes. Ancient Buddhist folklore tells of a virtuous rabbit that gave its life to feed a Buddhist deity disguised as a poor, elderly man. Touched by the rabbit’s selflessness, the deity drew the rabbit’s shape into the surface of the moon where it remains to this day. The tale is said to have given rise to Harvest Moon festivals across Asia. The next time there is a full moon, look into the night sky and see if you can find the Moon Rabbit making mochi!
Presenters
HONORARY AWARD PRESENTER
Tetsuo “Ted” Ogawa
President and Chief Executive Officer of Toyota Motor North America (TMNA)
PRESENTER
EMILY
Texas Restaurant Association
PRESENTER
CONSUL
Japan
Event Details
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Grand Ballroom, Irving Convention Center
500 W Las Colinas Blvd., Irving, TX 75039
5:30 – 6:00 PM Registration Opens VIP
6:00 – 6:45 PM Reception (Sponsors & Special Guests)
Silent Auction & Networking
6:45 – 7:30 PM General Admission, Silent Auction & Networking
7:00 – 7:30 PM Governor’s Reception Meet & Greet (By Invitation)
7:30 – 9:30 PM Dinner & Awards Program
6:00 – 6:45 PM Reception (Sponsors & Special Guests)
Silent Auction & Networking
6:45 – 7:30 PM General Admission, Silent Auction & Networking
7:00 – 7:30 PM Governor’s Reception Meet & Greet (By Invitation)
7:30 – 9:30 PM Dinner & Awards Program
Why Attend
This is more than a gala—it is an evening of impact, influence, and international connection.
Celebrate one of the most influential partnerships shaping global commerce and diplomacy
Celebrate one of the most influential partnerships shaping global commerce and diplomacy
Honor visionary leadership that bridges Japan and Texas and Connect with executives, and cultural leaders
Honor visionary leadership that bridges Japan and Texas and Connect with executives, and cultural leaders
Support JASDFW’s mission to advance U.S.–Japan understanding and collaboration
Support JASDFW’s mission to advance U.S.–Japan understanding and collaboration
Sponsors
We invite you to join us as a sponsor for an unforgettable evening celebrating collaboration, leadership, and the bonds that unite Japan and Texas.
Past Events
Each Sun & Star Legacy Gala tells a story of connection, leadership, and shared purpose. Over the years, this annual celebration has honored remarkable individuals while bringing together a community committed to strengthening the bond between Japan and Texas. These past events capture moments that continue to shape our shared future.
