On November 3, 1928, Mr. Neal Leach, Dr. Henry Walther and Mr. Prescott Follett, three prominent New Orleanians were invited to dine aboard a visiting Japanese ship, the Hawaii Maru, on the occasion of the Emperor's birthday. During the evening, Mr. Leach suggested that a Japan Society be formed in New Orleans modeled after the Japan Society of New York.

The organization formed and adopted November 3, 1928 as Founder's Day. Its first meeting was held on December 28, 1928. Activities were suspended during World War II, but were resumed on August 10, 1950.

Over the course of the Society's existence, eight of its members have received special recognition from the Japanese government. The Honors presented them were the Order of the Rising Sun, Third and Fourth Class and the Order of the Sacred Treasury.

The Japan Society of new Orleans played a significant role in the founding of the U.S. Japan Cooperative Bio-Medical Research Laboratory at Tulane University. The laboratory was established with funds received through Dr. Akira Arimura, a past president and current Honorary member of the Society's Board of Directors.

The Society is dedicated to promoting social, educational and cultural relations between the Japanese and non-Japanese members of the community. This is accomplished through the ongoing exchange of ideas and information and through the sponsorship and joint participation in cultural, educational and social events which emphasize interpersonal relationships.