Kansha in the Kitchen: The Japanese Approach to Sourcing, Preparing, and Partaking of Food

The word kansha, or “appreciation,” is evident in many aspects of Japanese society and daily living. In the kitchen, kansha expresses gratitude for both nature’s bounty and for the efforts of clever people who bring that bounty to table. This program will focus on one important aspect of kitchen, kansha: ichi motsu zen shoku 一物全食 (one food, used entirely). This age-old custom of using all edible parts of ingredients — peels, roots, seeds, bones — echoes some of the sustainable development goals adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015.

Human Rights Past and Present: Reflecting on 80 Years since Japanese American Internment

Join us for a discussion on the origins and legacy of Executive Order 9066 and hear stories of Japanese Americans affected by internment, including thousands who, despite being interned, volunteered for military service through the famed 442nd Regimental Combat Team, the 100th Infantry Battalion, and the Military Intelligence Service.

Curator Sarah Thompson on Hokusai at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

Through iconic images such as the “Great Wave,” Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849) not only revolutionized Japanese woodblock printmaking in his own day but continues to inspire artists around the world. The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston — home of the largest and finest collection of Japanese art outside Japan — is a major repository of the work of Hokusai, with paintings, illustrated books, and woodblock prints representing the full span of the artist’s seven-decade career.

The US-Japan Space Partnership: Fostering Collaboration on Earth and Beyond

This program, led by several esteemed speakers from across the U.S. and Japan, will dive deep into the evolving landscape of historic and startup space industries, the business factors playing into current space exploration, the government policies affecting space regulations, and the benefits of U.S.-Japan joint research.

Summer 2021 Family Program: Japan-in-a-Suitcase

Have you been watching the Tokyo 2020 Olympics? Have you seen the images of Tokyo and Japan on TV? Join the Japan-America Society to learn more about this city and country as we follow Sakura, who is a 4th grader living in the Tokyo metropolitan area. Her summer vacation just started on July 22nd and although it is different than in other years, she has much to explore and enjoy around her. She goes to the school swimming pool, explores the new Olympic stadium, visits Mt. Fuji, relaxes at the onsen… and much more! Let’s travel to Japan with Sakura while still staying at home!

The Power of Washoku: Facts about Umami

This program builds on a similar event from summer 2020 titled “The Power of Washoku: You Are What You Eat” as we continue our conversation about Japanese food education. In this interactive and informative session, you will learn about umami from both a historic and scientific background.

聞きたくてもなかなか聞けないアメリカにおいてのダイバーシティー＆インクルージョン

ダイバーシティー＆インクルージョン(D&I)と言う用語を耳にする機会が多々あるかと思います。このウェビナーでは、ダイバーシティー＆インクルージョンの聞きたくてもなかなか聞けない基本を学び、企業内でどの様に活かしていく必要があるのかをお教えします。

Living Longer and Healthier: Blue Zones and Aging in the U.S. and Japan

This event touches upon scientific aspects of aging including dementia, offers a bold philosophical reimagining of what life at an advanced age can be, and provides insights into lessons from the blue zones, including Okinawa, Japan, which is home to some of the oldest people on the planet.

Japanese Pop Culture’s Response to COVID-19

Join us for a conversation on the importance of pop culture for Japan’s current society, how cultural ambassadors are helping the country in this challenging time, and how trends during the pandemic might transform Japanese pop culture forever.

JASDFW 3/11 Resilience Series: A Resurgent Region – Tohoku’s Recovery Since 2011

We discussed reconstructing physical infrastructure, attracting economic activity to the region, debunking myths about disaster-afflicted areas, providing social services for those still in need, and ensuring a prosperous future for Tohoku through community building and grassroots organizations.

JASDFW 3/11 Resilience Series: A Mission of Kataribe

Please join us for a special conversation with Seietsu Sato, a survivor of the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami. He talks about his mission as a kataribe, storyteller in Japanese, and “Saving Lives” with his message about the value of human life.
[Japanese] https://youtu.be/dFZsFxyijh4

2021 Mochitsuki New Year’s Celebration

Celebrate the Year of the Ox (牛, ushi) with our first-ever virtual Mochitsuki. Learn about Japan’s rich New Year’s traditions through music performances, a mochi-pounding demonstration, kakizome – the first calligraphy of the year, origami demonstration and a unique video from Japan!

Godzilla’s Enduring Popularity

Join us for a discussion on why international audiences continue to flock to Godzilla film screenings, why Godzilla is important in today’s world, and what we can learn from this iconic monster.

A Conversation with Ambassador Shinsuke Sugiyama

The Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth proudly presents a conversation with H.E. Shinsuke Sugiyama, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the United States of America. He will comment on his country’s ongoing fight against COVID-19, the new Suga administration in Japan, and his goals for U.S.-Japan relations.

A Conversation on Leadership with Mitsuru Claire Chino

Join us for an engaging discussion with Mitsuru Claire Chino, Managing Executive Officer of ITOCHU Corporation, on the corporate environment in 2020, the concept of workplace diversity, and how to be an effective leader. Co-presented by Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth and Japan Society.

Security and Economy: The Current State of Japan-Korea-U.S. Trilateral Relations

Join us for an engaging discussion on the realities of present bilateral and trilateral relations, the effects of COVID-19, and what the immediate future may hold for these three countries. Co-presented by the Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth and the Sun & Star Program on Japan and East Asia at SMU’s Tower Center for Public Policy and International Studies.

Anime Sway: How Japan Came to Dominate the Global Pop Culture Landscape

Join JASDFW for a program addressing the introduction of anime into the Western market, the importance of anime for Japanese cultural diplomacy and soft power, the integration of Japanese history and folklore into contemporary pop culture, ​the use of Japanese style and sensibilities in pop culture outside of Japan, and the state of the industry given recent disruptions caused by COVID-19.

Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth brings you the series, Summer in Japan! In these videos, we’ll discover what summertime is like in Japan while finding ways to explore it here in America. Join our summer intern, Sarah Modisette, and friends to learn about the fun, beautiful, interesting, delicious, and creative experiences that make summertime in Japan what it is!

In summer 2020, Natsuyo Taniyasu, our Cultural Exchange Facilitator from the GEN-J Program made a series of 12 videos that explore different aspect of Japanese culture. Part of the GEN-J Grassroots Exchange Network-Japan program is to strengthen networks between local communities and companies. We hope you enjoy the weekly videos made by Natsuyo, and learn more about Japan!