NAJAS 2025 NETWORK CONFERENCE Hosted by Japan/America Society of Kentucky |
Japan-America Is Working: Strength in the Grassroots Join NAJAS at an unmatched assembly of U.S.-Japan non-profits converging from 30 states and one province across North America in our country's industrial and agricultural heartland. Network with leadership, staff and board members from most of our 41 Japan-America & Japan Societies (JAS/JS), together with selected institutional supporters, government leaders, and representatives of business and other sectors. The Japan-America Partnership is working for both sides and the world. Network and present to ensure that our grassroots ties remain vital in an era of rapid change. Registration Deadline: Aug. 6
| Hosted by Japan-America Society of Kentucky (JASK) Host Hotels: Main Venue: |
SPONSORS & DONORS |
Society Solutions Sponsors |
FEATURED SPEAKERS |
Amb. Shigeo Yamada | Rep. Andy Barr (KY-6) (Invited) | Wendy Cutler Vice President Asia Society Policy Institute |
HIGHLIGHTS
Toyota Tour for JAS/JS Members Wednesday Tour of Toyota’s largest manufacturing plant at nearby Georgetown | ![]() JASK Welcome Reception for JAS/JS Members Gather and network with your peers from across North America on Wednesday Photo Credit: | Thursday Night Live Socialize and enjoy Lexington's outdoor arts festival with food vendors and a festive atmophere |
![]() JASK Gala & Closing Reception Co-hosted with NAJAS Network | Sake-Tasting Taste, learn, and connect with U.S. - Japan leaders at Wednesday night's sake tasting in partnership with SBANA! Learn more > | The Timeless Binational Pastime – Education, Entertainment & Exchange Dive into a thought provoking panel proudly featuring the MLB Stem League, the Japan Foreign Retired Players Association and others on Friday |
MINI JAPAN FILM FEST Tickets included with conference registration. Check-in at the Pam Miller Downtown Arts Center Black Box Theater box office. |
![]() Wednesday, Aug. 20 Director/Producer Yuriko Gamo Romer’s Q&A with Yuriko Gamo Romer to follow. Learn about Baseball Behind Barbed Wire > This event is open to the public with tickets on sale now. | ![]() Thursday, Aug. 21 7:00 - 9:30 PM Black Box Theatre (1F) Director Marc Mariott’s Tokyo Cowboy (2024) Tickets included with conference attendance. Check-in at the Black Box Theater box office. Q&A with Marc Marriott led by Dr. David Janes to follow. This event is open to the public with tickets on sale now. |
AGENDA |
Wednesday & Thursday Members-Only Programming focuses on society management challenges and networking opportunities, with the generous support of Japan Foundation, New York. In response to members' interest, optional workshops are included on Wednesday afternoon. Members arriving early to Lexington can join optional social activities on Tuesday, coordinated by JASK. Wednesday afternoon also features a tour of Toyota's Georgetown plant. Thursday & Friday General Programming includes Lexington's vibrant Thursday Night Live, Friday programming, and an invitation to the JASK Annual Gala & Conference Closing Reception co-hosted by the NAJAS Network featuring Amb. Shigeo Yamada. Optional Saturday activities will be coordinated by JASK. Thursday & Friday Mini Japan Film Fest with director Q&As is included with conference registration for all attendees. Full Agenda & Speakers Coming Soon | Jump to FAQ > Register for the Conference > |
NAJAS Member Programming For NAJAS Members Only JAS / JS Members-Only Event Information & Registration Code (Login) > Tuesday Activities Coordinated by JASK for Interested Early Arrivals Wednesday Lunch Pickup for Tour Attendees Tour of Toyota Motors Manufacturing Kentucky Legendary Georgetown Plant (FILLED) Special Session! Leadership Capacity Accelerator Workshop by Nozomi Morgan Welcome Reception for JAS / JS Staff & Board With NAJAS & JASK Film screening: Baseball Behind Barbed Wire, a Yuriko Romer production with a Director's Q&A Guided Sake Tasting Thursday Continental Breakfast Conference Opening - NAJAS and JASK Members-Only Workshops NAJAS Program - Capacity and Member Survey Highlights Working lunch with special guests Workshops Japan Foundation Presentation Annual Board of Directors Meeting Thursday Night Live Friday All Programming Open to All Conference Registrants JASK Annual Gala & Conference Closing With Amb. Shigeo Yamada | General Program For All Registered Attendees
Thursday Night Live
Lexington Arts Social & Networking Outing Local Restaurant Group Dining Options* Friday Continental Breakfast OPENING: Welcome to "NAJAS & Beyond" Program Day PANEL: 2025-26 Overview with NAJAS' Program & Funding Partners PANEL: What is the Trade & Investment Panorama and What Does it Mean for US-Japan? SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT by Kentucky State Representative Vanessa Grossl SPECIAL REMARKS by U.S. Representative Andy Barr (KY) and Co-Chair of the U.S.-Japan Study Group (invited) PANEL: Japan’s Inbound Tourism Boom & Meaning for Cultural Connection PRESENTATION: All (Japan) Hands on Deck! with NAJAS and IHJ - Project for the US-Japan Ecosystem LUNCH PANEL: One Year On: What’s Changed/Changing for the U.S.-Japan “Ecosystem” PANEL: Diamonds are Forever: The Timeless Binational Pastime — Education, Entertainment & Exchange PANEL: Putting the Public in Diplomacy Networking Breaks Throughout Programming REMARKS from U.S. Department of State Bentenya Performance Society Solutions Providers Stamp Rally Grand Prize Drawing Conclusion for day JASK Annual Gala & Closing Reception Co-Hosted with NAJAS Network With Amb. Shigeo Yamada Saturday Activities Coordinated by JASK (Optional)* * Tuesday & Saturday JASK activities and Thursday evening group dinners are options attendees may select. These options are at a separate cost to the registration fee |
NAJAS wishes to thank our sponsors for the 2025 Annual Conference: Japanet America For sponsorship opportunities, please reach out to NAJAS President Andrew Wylegala at wylegala@us-japan.org. |
The NAJAS annual conference moves across the U.S., hosted by a different Japan-America member society each year, and helps us surface insights from the most diverse Japan-America network anywhere. As a core benefit of NAJAS membership, member societies access a focused day of workshops and peer learning for staff and board participants. All attendees are invited to our Thursday evening and Friday programming.
At the NAJAS 2024 Annual Conference in Portland Oregon on Aug. 21-22, 2024 (called the Annual Meeting), over two hundred attendees benefitted from extensive networking and talks on geostrategic, political and international investment issues within the U.S.-Japan relationship. Explore the Programming & Highlights > We visited the Portland Japanese Garden and and gathered at a reception hosted by JASO and the Japanese Consul General. General programming focused on geostrategic, political and tech investment matters at the heart of the U.S.-Japan relationship, culminating with a keynote and Q&A by Ambassador Nina Hachigian and remarks from Japanese Ambassador to the United States Shigeo Yamada. Download the Conference Summary (PDF) > Themes for the 2024 Annual Conference included:
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2025 CONFERENCE FAQThis section will be continually updated to support attendees on registration and logistical questions. Jump to Travel & Logistics Section > Registration Deadline: Aug 6 | Lexington Marriott City Center |
For JAS / JS Member Societies | Access the registration code on the Membership Benefits page
Trouble logging in? Write to sanchezalvarez@us-japan.org for the registration code.
Discounted registration is available to all staff and Board Members of Japan-America / Japan Societies as a key benefit of NAJAS membership.
Member Registration includes all conference programming and hosted events:
Members may also sign up with interest in optional activities at a separate cost:
Additional members-only information will be added to the Membership Benefits page.
For General Attendees
General attendee registration includes:
Attendees may also sign up with interest in optional activities at a separate cost:
For Speakers, Sponsors & Guests
We will provide you with a code for registration and specifics for your participation.
How do I register?
Register here for the 2025 Conference >
Have questions about the Annual Conference, including about registration? Please reach out to Bianca at sanchezalvarez@us-japan.org.
I would like to stay at the host hotel and save on accommodations with the Annual Conference room rate. How can I make a reservation?
The conference host hotels are the Lexington Marriott City Center (SOLD OUT) and next-door Residence Inn Lexington City Center in the heart of Downtown Lexington. Once you register for the conference, you will receive the link to reserve your room at the Residence Inn.
The host hotel conference rate of $184 + tax / night is available for the Residence Inn until Aug 4.
What airport should I fly into? How can I get to the Lexington Marriott City Center?
The closest airport to the Lexington Marriott City Center is Blue Grass Airport (LEX) located 15 minutes away by car. From there, arrivals can choose to take a complementary airport shuttle, taxi or ride-share to the hotel. To request shuttle pickup, call Lexington Marriott at (859) 253-1000, press 1 for Reservations/Front Desk, and a shuttle will be dispatched to the airport.
Alternatively, nearby airports also include Louisville International (SDF), located 1 hour 20 minutes or 76 miles away, and Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky International (CVG), located 1 hour 20 minutes or 79 miles away. Arrivals at these airports can choose to rent a car and drive to the hotel. For these locations, a shuttle to the hotel is not able to be provided.
I am a member of a Japan-America / Japan Society (staff, board, or volunteer). How can I access Members-Only conference information?
Please visit the Membership Benefits page for the registration code to access your discounted rate. We will continue to update this page with more information on hotel subsidies, workshops, and other Members-Only offerings.
Trouble logging in or accessing the page? Please reach out to Bianca at sanchezalvarez@us-japan.org.
Where can I view the schedule and learn more about the speakers?
More information about the detailed schedule and speakers will be added here. View the schedule at a glance on the registration page.
I am interested in the Toyota Tour, Thursday evening dinners, and/or activities coordinated by JASK. How do I learn more?
NAJAS & JASK will be in touch with you at a later date to provide updates and confirm signups for these options.
The Toyota Tour for JAS/JS members will be on Wed. afternoon, 8/20, with limited space available. Transportation to the tour will depart from Pam Miller Downtown Arts Center at approximately 12:15pm.
Thursday evening dinners and Tues/Saturday social activities and outings will be coordinated in advance by JASK. You will receive more information and signups for restaurants and/or activities in advance of the conference.
I'm driving in for the day. Where can I park?
Metered street parking is available 8:00am-5:00pm next to Pam Miller Downtown Arts Center. There are also three paid parking lots nearby: Helix on Main (156 E Main St), Central Library (140E E Main St), and Transit Center Garage (150 E Vine St). Visit LEXPARK.org for more information on parking in Lexington. For those staying at the Lexington Marriott, there is paid on-site parking available. Please contact the hotel for more information.
Will wi-fi be available in the host hotel?
Free wi-fi will be available for guests staying at the host hotel.
What are the accommodations for dietary restrictions?
Attendees who provided dietary restrictions for hosted meals will receive further information at registration to access your dietary-safe meals at the conference. Thank you and we are glad to ensure you enjoy safe meals.
Thursday evening optional dining options will include options for vegan and vegetarian attendees.
Are there spaces to work and for small meetings outside of conference programming?
The Marriott host hotel features open gathering areas. There may be additional space at the Pam Miller Downtown Arts Center. JAS/JS members interested in space on Wednesday morning may contact Bianca at sanchezalvarez@us-japan.org.
Where can I find the agenda?
Please visit the conference agenda page.
What is the dress code?
On Wednesday and Thursday, the dress code is business casual. On Friday, the dress code is business attire. If you are attending Thursday night's Sponsors Appreciation reception, please wear business attire. If you are attending Friday night's JASK Gala, please wear business or cocktail attire (no tuxedos). Keep in mind that it will be hot in Lexington this time of year, so dress comfortably.
Please reach out to NAJAS President Andrew Wylegala at wylegala@us-japan.org about sponsorship opportunities.
Have questions about the NAJAS Network Conference, including about registration? Please reach out to Bianca at sanchezalvarez@us-japan.org.