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2026 SUN & STAR

28TH ANNUAL LEGACY AWARDS GALA

Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Grand Ballroom, Irving Convention Center

An Evening That Celebrates Partnership, Leadership, and the Future Between Japan & Texas

The Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth (JASDFW) proudly presents its 28th Annual Sun & Star Legacy Gala, a signature event honoring the enduring partnership between Japan and Texas. This distinguished evening brings together leaders from business, government, and culture to celebrate collaboration, strengthen relationships, and advance a shared global future.
2026 Sun & Star Legacy Award Recipient

Governor Greg Abbott, State of Texas

We are honored to recognize Governor Greg Abbott as the 2026 Sun & Star Legacy Award Recipient for his outstanding leadership and unwavering commitment to strengthening economic and cultural ties between Japan and Texas.

Governor Abbott has played a pivotal role in fostering meaningful connections between Japanese enterprises and Texas businesses, including the establishment of strategic agreements with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and Aichi Prefecture, home to Toyota’s global headquarters. His leadership continues to position Texas as a premier destination for Japanese investment and innovation.

2026 Sun & Star Bridges to Friendship Award Recipient

Amy Lewis Hofland

Director Amy Lewis Hofland leads the Crow Museum of Asian Art in Dallas, Texas, the preeminent museum dedicated to the arts and cultures of Asia in the southern United States.  On staff since the museum’s inception in 1998, Hofland’s footprint can be found throughout the museum, including her recruitment and hire of leading Asian art scholars; launching the Crow Museum as the first “wellness museum” in the United States; and molding the museum’s award-winning education programs to emphasize collaboration and collective learning; helping to draw over 100,000 museum visitors a year.

Amy is pursuing a doctorate at Southwestern College in Visionary Practice and Regenerative Leadership exploring the relationship between art and compassion. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Arts degree in art education from the University of North Texas, where she was part of the distinguished Marcus Fellow program.  In addition to her work at the Crow Museum, Hofland is a noted author, speaker and community leader serving on various board leadership positions in the Dallas-Fort Worth community. She is also working to create Dallas as a City of Compassion and recently formed and co-chairs The Compassion Council for the Dallas Arts District.

 

 

Presenters

Honorary Host

Rick Stopfer
Mayor of City of Irving

Mayor Richard H. Stopfer has served Irving for decades and is currently in his third term as Mayor (2023–2026), following earlier service on the Irving City Council and in multiple mayoral leadership roles. 
 
His public service includes extensive leadership with DART, regional transportation committees, and key municipal boards, along with longstanding involvement in community and civic organizations. A resident of Irving since 1988, Mayor Stopfer is a retired automotive consultant and has been married to his wife, Melanie, for over 40 years.
Honorary Award Presenter

Tetsuo “Ted” Ogawa

 President and Chief Executive Officer of Toyota Motor North America (TMNA)

Tetsuo “Ted” Ogawa is President and Chief Executive Officer of Toyota Motor North America, overseeing Toyota and Lexus operations across the United States. With decades of global automotive and leadership experience, Ogawa has played a key role in advancing U.S.–Japan business collaboration and innovation. He will present the Sun & Star Legacy Award to Greg Abbott in recognition of leadership strengthening the enduring partnership between Japan and Texas.

Guest Presenter

Dr. Emily William Knight
President & CEO of the Texas Restaurant Association

President & CEO of the Texas Restaurant Association representing over 57,000 restaurants, 1.4 million employees, and $138B in annual sales, serving as the state and nation voice for Texas restaurants. Honors include Nation’s Restaurant News Power List: Women in Foodservice, Top 30 Women in Food, Most Admired CEO – Dallas Business Journal and 50 Most Influential Restaurant Executives in U.S.

Dignitaries

Zentaro Naganuma
Consul-General of Japan in Houston

Dr. Hisashi Shichijo Honorary Consul of Japan in Dallas

Event Details

Wednesday, April 15, 2026

Grand Ballroom, Irving Convention Center
500 W Las Colinas Blvd., Irving, TX 75039

Emcee – Adam Zehner
Senior Vice President Acquisitions and Licensing at Funimation (A Sony Pictures Television Company)
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

TICKETS

Join us for this extraordinary evening alongside regional and international leaders.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Align your organization with a premier international event celebrating leadership, diplomacy, and economic partnership.

Why Attend

This is more than a gala—it is an evening of impact, influence, and international connection.

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 Galas

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.