All photos courtesy of Maria Niki.
Introduction
On April 23rd in Wing Luke Museum’s Ford Foundation Community Hall, over one hundred JASSW members and community partners gather to celebrate this fiscal year (ending in June 2025) of the Japan-America Society, usher in the spring season, and look ahead with excitement and resolve. The evening was full of laughter, conversation, and intrigue, and we are grateful for each and every one of you who was able to attend. From strategic planning to heartfelt speeches and a musical finale, the evening truly showcased the Society’s mission in action.
Board Meeting
Before kicking off our Annual Meeting, the Japan-America Society board members came together to discuss financials and goals for the upcoming year. Passionately led by 2024-2025 Chair Masami Katayama (Starbucks), board members engaged in a thoughtful conversation about logistics and strategies to advance the Society’s mission. Naturally, new officers, committee chairs, directors, and executive committee members were also nominated, seconded, and confirmed.
Annual Meeting Highlights
At 5:00 PM, valued members and guests arrived for the Annual Meeting. 2024-2025 Chair Katayama took to the podium to thank our Gold, Bronze, Friendship, Food, and Media Sponsors for their generous support, then welcomed Consulate-General of Japan in Seattle, Makoto Iyori, to deliver opening remarks.
The Annual Meeting highlighted several exciting accomplishments. The Japan in the Schools Program (JIS) reached over 2,500 students this fiscal year, and a wide range of member networking and community involvement events helped advance the Society’s goals of promoting friendship and mutual understanding. A particularly moving moment was a video presentation featuring those positively impacted by the JASSW Small Business Resiliency Program. These Japanese-speaking business owners shared their experiences, the challenges of entrepreneurship in Seattle, and the role the JASSW’s programs played in their success.
Another key tradition—the ever-exciting Passing of the Gavel—was another highlight of the evening. Masami Katayama proudly announced her retirement as Board Chair and welcomed incoming 2025–2026 Chair Yuka Shimizu. Applause filled the room as Shimizu took the stage and delivered an inspiring address about her hopes for the JASSW and her year as Board Chair. Additionally, Todd Mason (Weyerhaeuser) and Chris Cummins (Holman Logistics) were confirmed as Treasurer and Secretary, respectively, and new directors Allen Nakamoto, Dylan Rhodes, and Keisuke Umeki (Mitsui & Co. (U.S.A.), Inc.) were welcomed by Katayama and Executive Committee Member Karin Zaugg Black (Port of Seattle). Executive Committee Members and Chairs for 2025-2026 were also announced.
Pannel Discussion: “Bridging Borders: My Company, My Career, and Japan”
Before transitioning to the Spring Gala, Chris Cummins moderated a compelling panel discussion featuring panelists Todd Mason (Weyerhaeuser), Masami Katayama (Starbucks), and Yoshie Phillips (Russell Investments). All three openly shared insights on working with Japanese companies, their time in Japan, and the personal and professional challenges they overcame. Their stories of cross-cultural collaboration and career development deeply resonated with attendees.
Spring Gala
Culinary Highlights
Executive Director Misa Murohashi began the Spring Gala with warm thanks and by invited guests to enjoy Japanese delights provided by our food sponsors—Doskoi Catering, Koto Jelly Coffee, and Imo Madoi—and wine courtesy of Matthews Winery. Guests eagerly lined up to enjoy carefully crafted Japanese Fried Chicken (Karaage), shrimp, pork dumplings (Shumai), and more. For dessert, everyone enjoyed a selection of three of Koto Jelly Coffee’s agar-based treats: Jelly Coffee, Jelly Matcha, Jelly Tea, and Jelly Hojicha. The food was delicious, and the interlude between the Annual Meeting and Spring Gala provided guests with time to connect and converse, meeting new faces and seeing old friends.
Spring Gala Speakers
To begin the Spring Gala Presentation, Naoko Inoue Shatz, outgoing Event Committee Chair, opened the Spring Gala stage and introduced a new approach to event chairing, now shared among several board members. Shatz then welcomed Port of Seattle Commission President, Toshiko Hasegawa (Port of Seattle), to the stage for some special remarks. The crowd cheered as Hasegawa shared poignant messages about the importance of friendship between peoples and nations, unity, and mutual support and understanding. Her words reminded us of the critical role JASSW plays in creating a more inclusive, collaborative future.
Musical Performance
To conclude our celebration, we welcomed to the stage internationally acclaimed violinist Yuuki Hashimori, accompanied by our JIS lead presenter Lisa Maria d’Aquila on piano. Hashimori enchanted guests with beautiful melodies, expertly playing several songs on her violin as though to transport us to a world-class concert hall.
Raffle Drawing
The last event of the evening was the much-anticipated Raffle Drawing, hosted by Misa Murohashi, who called on Deputy Consul General Junichi Sumi, Yuuki Hashimori, and Allen Nakamoto (Japan Fair) for help drawing. The Grand Prize was two Delta Air Lines Tickets to any of the continental 48 U.S. states!
Upcoming Events
Before you go, allow us to remind you of upcoming JASSW events! Don’t miss these upcoming opportunities to connect, learn, and celebrate with the JASSW community!
JAS-NET at Nexus Seattle
Date & Time : June 5, 6:00-9:00 pm
Venue: Nexus Seattle Sky Lounge, 1808 Minor Ave, Seattle, WA 98101
JASSW Members $25 | Non-Members $40
The JAS-NET Nexus Party is back! Thanks to the generous support of our venue sponsor, Cheryl Hou, the next gathering will be at the Sky Lounge of Nexus Seattle. We will welcome speakers to share their insights on “Women in STEM Careers.” Join us for an inspiring and fun evening at this cocktail party!
Summer Picnic with Japan Business Association
Date & Time : June 15, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Venue: Lake Sammamish State Park 2010 NW Sammamish Rd, Issaquah, WA 98027
Every summer, JASSW co-hosts a picnic with the Japan Business Association of Seattle. This free, family-friendly event is open to anyone interested in connecting with two leading Japanese business organizations in the Seattle area.
Member Exclusive Reception at Port of Seattle
Date & Time : June 26, 4:30-7:30 pm
Venue: Port of Seattle Headquarter Office, 2711 Alaskan Way. Seattle, WA 98121
Join us for a special evening at the Port of Seattle’s West Atrium and Deck, featuring a stunning waterfront view. This is an exclusive, free event for our valued members.
Thank You
A heartfelt thank you to our sponsors, members, donors, volunteers, special guests, staff, and all the attendees for making this evening a success. Your energy and dedication make everything we do possible.
Photo Gallery
About the Author
Imogen is a senior at Seattle University studying International Studies and Japanese. She is interning at the JASSW to gain hands-on experience in online marketing, combining her skills and passions for Japanese and social media to support the JASSW’s mission.