NAJAS Programs/Events

In 2019, NAJAS inaugurated the "Japan Currents" public affairs series, with support from the Embassy of Japan in Washington DC. The series involved events in fourteen different cities, each hosted by local Japan-America Society, and composed of speakers from Japan, the U.S. and the local community. Public affairs topics of interest relating to Japan vary by location... more

In 2019, SPF and NAJAS decided to partner on a new public affairs program focusing on the geostrategic challenges Japan and the US face in a changing Asia. A rising China, North Korea and the re-emergence of Russia, among others, present new challenges to both countries, at a time when the US is reconsidering its global engagement. SPF and NAJAS feel that this series is an important contribution to understanding of the alliance, especially when undertaken outside Washington DC... more

NAJAS and the Keizai Koho Center have teamed up to offer the NAJAS/KKC Business Speaker Series through our member Japan-America Societies. Funded by the Keidanren, KKC's parent organization, this series combines a senior executive from a Japanese corporation and a recognized Japan expert in a public presentation hosted by a JAS. In their presentations, the senior executives have described the business climate and the impact of their companies' investment in the United States...more

In 2015, NAJAS received a grant from the United States-Japan Foundation to offer a series of talks at Japan-America Societies by curators of Japanese art at major museums in the U.S. The purpose is to draw attention to these collections and their role in the grassroots relationship between the U.S. and Japan. The participating curators are well-known in the field and represent some of the best known collections of Japanese art in America. Five programs took place between September 2015 and March 2016.

In 2016, the Japan-United States Friendship Commission continued the support and three additional programs will take place in 2017.

NAJAS worked with the TOMODACHI Initiative during 2012 to develop a unique small-scale exchange program for JAS members. Funding for four exchanges, each involving up to 10 persons, was made available by TOMODACHI Initiative, administered through NAJAS, in the fall of 2012. 11 societies applied to NAJAS for the funding. A selection committee convened by NAJAS evaluated the applications and in December... more

NAJAS is providing speakers and support for cultural programs to Japan-America Societies for public and membership events. Funding came from several sources, which along with NAJAS, recognize the importance of offering high quality programming to our members. We appreciate the support and availability of the speakers and the generosity of the funding organizations... more

The Keizai Koho Center (Japan Institute for Social and Economic Affairs) in cooperation with the National Association of Japan-America Societies (NAJAS) will sponsor a ten day Fellowship to Japan this summer for educators in the U.S. and Canada. The Fellowship allows teachers to learn first hand about contemporary Japanese society and enhance their classroom teaching of global perspectives...more