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About JAS
of the State of Washington "To promote mutual understanding and friendship between the peoples of Japan and Washington State by providing a forum for the exchange of ideas and information." Our Mission Statement
The Japan-America Society of the State of Washington is a non-profit, non-partisan, 501(c)3, private, membership-based organization with offices in Seattle. It is the only group of its kind in Washington State, totally dedicated to building communication, understanding, and long-lasting relationships between the peoples of Japan and Washington state. Our organization is a member of the National Association of Japan-America Societies, an informal association of approximately 40 Societies from different states that meets annually to share programming ideas and expertise.
Our organization was founded on July 24, 1923 by leaders of the Seattle business, academic, and diplomatic communities. Upon its founding, charter membership stood at 104 individuals. Founding American and Japanese members were interested in forging close business ties and improving relations through frequent meetings and social events. Today, our Board of Directors is headed by an annually elected Chair and composed of local and state leaders in business, government, education, and the arts. Our general membership consists of over 130 companies involved in U.S.-Japan business and trade, and over 700 members with a variety of interests in Japan and U.S.-Japan issues. Approximately one-third of our members are Japanese, two-thirds American.
Except for a brief period during World War II, our organization has remained active in fostering Japan-Washington State trade, business, and cultural activities, sponsoring a wide variety of projects -- from trade missions to Japan, visits by Japanese and U.S. Ambassadors and other government dignitaries from both countries, programs featuring prominent U.S. and Japanese businesspeople, business and trade seminars, art exhibits, musical performances, and a wide variety of diverse programs each year. Over the years, our organization has maintained a close relationship with key governmental and private organizations, including the Consulate General of Japan, the Japan Business Association of Washington State, the major state trade and business organizations, and the major art and cultural institutions in our state. Until the early 1980's, our organization was run entirely by volunteers. Today, our staff consists of three full-time professionals.
Over the years, our organization has played a pivotal role in educating Washington State citizens about their ongoing economic and cultural ties with Japan and helping people of both countries to better understand and appreciate one another's values, goals, and culture. Our Japan in the Schools program is another example of how we fulfill our mission, bringing cultural and language programs to approximately 2,000 Washington State students each year.
Members are informed of our activities through our extensive website: www-us-japan.org/jassw,
which contains a monthly calendar of upcoming programs and convenient online registration for all programs and events.
For more information, see Membership Benefits and Categories. To join our organization, please see either our Corporate Membership Page or our Individual Membership Page. We look forward to having you as a member.
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Japan-America Society of the State of Washington
Offices in the World Trade Center West
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