Join us on Monday, May 18, for JASH BASH 2026 at Daikin Park as we celebrate America250 and the enduring U.S.-Japan partnership through one of America’s most cherished traditions — baseball. For more than a century, the sport has served as a powerful cultural bridge between our two nations, uniting people through shared passion, discipline, and a spirit of teamwork.

Adding to this storied history, in 2025, Daikin Park became the first Major League Baseball stadium to bear the name of a Japanese company — an enduring symbol of the strength, trust, and continued evolution of U.S.-Japan relations. In recognition of the leadership behind this achievement, JASH BASH 2026 will honor Satoru Akama, President & CEO of Daikin Comfort Technologies North America, with the J. Thomas Schieffer Leadership Award and Jim Crane, Owner & Chairman of the Houston Astros, with the Houston-Japan Friendship Award.

Enjoy cocktails, dinner, silent auction, and more. Come be a part of the celebration!

JASH BASH is the principal source of JASH’s operating revenue. Your generous contribution directly enables our educational, business, and cultural initiatives and sustains our mission to promote meaningful and lasting understanding between Japan and the United States.

JASH BASH 2026 | Event Schedule*

*subject to change

Join the US JET Program Alumni Association (USJETAA) for this family-friendly online Japanese home cooking class series おうちごはん OUCHIGOHAN and cook along or just watch from your own kitchen!

For your busy spring schedules, try their simple and delicious recipes for dinner and more.

This May, we will finish off our EdamameChamp theme with Kei-chan yaki, a specialty of Gifu prefecture: flavorful miso- marinated chicken thighs stir-fried with cabbage and vegetables. Rice with spring peas compliments in taste and simplicity. We will finish off the class with a Strawberry Matcha Latte. Once you learn the trick to this specialty drink you will be able to make your own and save money on this expensive coffee-house drink. This class is simply delicious!

Join us as we cook, taste, and celebrate the flavors of spring—right from the comfort of your own kitchen.

The recipe card with ingredients list and Zoom link will be provided a week before the event.

Advance ticket purchase required. One registration per family.

About the Instructor:

Debra Samuels leads the program content and curriculum development of TABLE FOR TWO USA’s Japanese inspired food education program, “Wa- Shokuiku -Learn. Cook. Eat Japanese!”.

She was a food writer and contributor to the Food Section of The Boston Globe and has authored two cookbooks: “My Japanese Table,” and “The Korean Table.” She curated the exhibit, “Obento and Built Space: Japanese Boxed Lunch and Architecture,” at the Boston Architectural College (2015) and co-curated “Objects of Use and Beauty: Design and Craft in Japanese Culinary Tools,” at the Fuller Craft Museum (2018). Debra also worked as a program coordinator and an exhibition developer at the Japanese department of the Boston Children's Museum (1992-2000).

Debra has lived in Japan, all together, for 12 years and specializes in Japanese cuisine. She travels around the country and abroad teaching hands on workshops on obento, the Japanese lunchbox. During Covid 19 she is teaching live online cooking programs to youth and adults.

This program is made possible by:

Program Note: Photographs may be taken during the event for the records of the program host and for use in public media outlets. Registering for the event generally signifies acknowledgment that your likeness may be used in these ways.

More than 20 years into her career, the jazz piano phenomenon Hiromi has earned a reputation as one of the most explosive live performers in jazz history. Her many triumphs include an NPR Tiny Desk Concert that has racked up 2 million views; representing her native Japan at the Opening Ceremony of the 2021 Summer Olympics in Tokyo; and a Grammy Award.

Her expressive, dynamic and versatile band Hiromi’s Sonicwonder features Hadrien Feraud on bass, Gene Coye on drums and the trumpeter Adam O’Farrill. It incorporates the spirit of classic jazz-rock fusion melded with classically-rooted virtuosity and entrancing funk and pop flourishes.

“One of jazz piano’s most brazenly virtuosic players.” - The New York Times

Discover the art and tradition of Japanese tea culture in this immersive workshop. Presented in partnership with George Memorial Library, this program offers an introduction to the history, etiquette, and cultural significance of the matcha tea ceremony.

Participants will enjoy a hands-on experience, learning how to prepare their own serving of matcha using a traditional tea bowl and chasen (tea whisk).

Registration is required. Space is limited.

Join JASH at Evelyn’s Park on the second Saturday of every month to experience the art of origami!

Each session will have a theme highlighting a specific Japanese holiday or celebration. Participants of all ages can enjoy mastering this artform through three designs of various difficulty. From beginners to advanced practitioners, there is an origami pattern for everyone.

May Theme: Japanese Traditional Origami

Happy Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month! This month, we will explore traditional Japanese origami patterns. Join us as we discover how Japanese culture has influenced American culture and celebrate the friendship between the United States and Japan through a fun and creative origami session.

Three (3) origami patterns ranging from beginner to advanced are available for participants to enjoy. Make a Kabuto, a box, and a crane!

Origami:

• Beginner: Kabuto

• Intermediate: Box

• Advance: Crane

PROGRAM PARTNER:

Update (5/5/2026): The event has been canceled by the organizer due to the unpredictability and severity of the upcoming weather.

Experience the wonder of Japan in Levy Park on the first Wednesday of every month with JASH at Japan Junction. Kids of all ages will enjoy expanding their cultural horizons through kamishibai “paper drama” storytelling and fun crafts that highlight Japanese traditions from origami to woodblock print making and more!

ヒューストン日米協会（JASH）は、毎月第1水曜日にLevy Parkで日本の素晴らしさを体験できるイベント“Japan Junction”を開催します。日本の昔話を紙芝居で紹介し、そして折り紙から木版画まで様々な日本の伝統文化を感じられるクラフト作りを通して、子供たちが楽しみながら文化的な視野を広げる機会を提供します。

May 6: “Peach Boy” and Fluttering Koinobori

May 5th in Japan is Kodomo no Hi, or Children’s Day—a national holiday that celebrates the happiness and unique strengths of children.

Join us for a special celebration featuring a fun kamishibai performance of Momotaro, also known as “Peach Boy”—one of Japan’s most beloved folk heroes, who reminds both kids and grown-ups that great things can be achieved with courage and perseverance.

After the story, make your own Fluttering koinobori carp streamers decoration which symbolize strength and determination.

5月6日：紙芝居「ももたろう」とひらひらこいのぼり

5月5日は「こどもの日」。子どもたちの健やかな成長をお祝いする日です。

紙芝居「ももたろう」で、勇気とやさしさのあふれる冒険物語を楽しんだ後は、一緒に「ひらひらこいのぼり」を作って、みんなで元気に子供の日をお祝いしましょう！

Celebrate Children’s Day at Children’s Museum of Houston’s Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month Celebration.

JASH is excited to participate in the event with special craft booths highlighting Children’s Day (Kodomo no Hi) — a cherished tradition in Japan celebrated every May 5th.

We're looking for friendly, enthusiastic volunteers to help us engage the public, lead craft activities, and share the joy of Japanese culture. No prior experience required—just a passion for cultural exchange and a willingness to learn

Come be a part of this unique celebration and help us inspire curiosity, creativity, and community spirit.

Sign up below no later than Wednesday, April 29.

NOTE: Each volunteer must register individually. If you have any questions, please email JASH Volunteer Coordinator Ikuyo Katayama directly at ikatayama@jas-hou.org.

Join JapanCraft21 for a free online presentation by Steve Beimel on Bamboo Basketry: Innovation, Beauty, and Soul. Discover the timeless artistry of Japanese bamboo basketry in a special online presentation showcasing nearly 200 years of master craftsmanship. Featuring exquisite works by 25 distinguished artists, this event reveals how generations of makers have transformed a humble natural material into objects of breathtaking elegance for flower arrangement and display.

Join the Japan Society of North Carolina for this family-friendly online Japanese home cooking class series おうちごはん OUCHIGOHAN and cook along or just watch from your own kitchen!

Let’s welcome the new season with a trio of delicious spring dishes!

This month’s menu continues our #EdamameChamp programming with Salmon Takikomi Gohan, a comforting one-pot rice dish studded with bright green edamame. Rice, salmon, vegetables, and savory seasonings cook together in a rice cooker or on the stovetop, creating a flavorful and nourishing Japanese-style pilaf!

We’ll also prepare Broccolini with Miso Dressing, inspired by nanohana, Japan’s delicate spring vegetable. The tender broccolini pairs beautifully with a rich, savory miso sauce that highlights the fresh flavors of the season.
To finish, we’ll make Mitarashi Dango, one of Japan’s most beloved traditional sweets. These chewy dumplings are made with silken tofu for extra tenderness and drizzled with a glossy sweet soy glaze—the perfect balance of sweet and savory.
Join us as we cook, taste, and celebrate the flavors of spring—right from the comfort of your own kitchen.

The recipe card with ingredients list and Zoom link will be provided a week before the event.

Advance ticket purchase required. One registration per family.

About the Instructor:

Debra Samuels leads the program content and curriculum development of TABLE FOR TWO USA’s Japanese inspired food education program, “Wa- Shokuiku -Learn. Cook. Eat Japanese!”.

She was a food writer and contributor to the Food Section of The Boston Globe and has authored two cookbooks: “My Japanese Table,” and “The Korean Table.” She curated the exhibit, “Obento and Built Space: Japanese Boxed Lunch and Architecture,” at the Boston Architectural College (2015) and co-curated “Objects of Use and Beauty: Design and Craft in Japanese Culinary Tools,” at the Fuller Craft Museum (2018). Debra also worked as a program coordinator and an exhibition developer at the Japanese department of the Boston Children's Museum (1992-2000).

Debra has lived in Japan, all together, for 12 years and specializes in Japanese cuisine. She travels around the country and abroad teaching hands on workshops on obento, the Japanese lunchbox. During Covid 19 she is teaching live online cooking programs to youth and adults.

This program is made possible by:

Program Note: Photographs may be taken during the event for the records of the program host and for use in public media outlets. Registering for the event generally signifies acknowledgment that your likeness may be used in these ways.

UPDATE: Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Sweets Oyatsu pop up scheduled for Friday, April 24 has been canceled. We apologize for the late notice and look forward to seeing you at a future pop up.

Join JASH at Evelyn’s Park on the second Saturday of every month to experience the art of origami!

Each session will have a theme highlighting a specific Japanese holiday or celebration. Participants of all ages can enjoy mastering this artform through three designs of various difficulty. From beginners to advanced practitioners, there is an origami pattern for everyone.

April Theme: New Beginnings

April marks a season of new beginnings in Japan. Starting on April 1, many people begin a fresh chapter in their lives, including the start of the academic year. Meeting new people and experiencing new things makes this time especially exciting for everyone. Join us for a fun and creative activity where you can fold animals that symbolize new beginnings and good fortune.

Three (3) origami patterns ranging from beginner to advanced are available for participants to enjoy. Make an egg, a chick, and a hopping bunny!

Origami:

• Beginner: Egg

• Intermediate: Chick

• Advance: Hopping bunny

PROGRAM PARTNER:

Experience the wonder of Japan in Levy Park on the first Wednesday of every month with JASH at Japan Junction. Kids of all ages will enjoy expanding their cultural horizons through kamishibai “paper drama” storytelling and fun crafts that highlight Japanese traditions from origami to woodblock print making and more!

ヒューストン日米協会（JASH）は、毎月第1水曜日にLevy Parkで日本の素晴らしさを体験できるイベント“Japan Junction”を開催します。日本の昔話を紙芝居で紹介し、そして折り紙から木版画まで様々な日本の伝統文化を感じられるクラフト作りを通して、子供たちが楽しみながら文化的な視野を広げる機会を提供します。

April 1: “The Goblin, the Water Imp, and the Thunder God” and Kappa Plate

April Fool’s Day is called Shigatsu Baka in Japanese and is celebrated each year on April 1. In Japan, people play harmless jokes on each other in the morning and reveal the truth in the afternoon. Families, friends, and coworkers enjoy sharing lighthearted and silly pranks together.

Join us for a kamishibai reading of Tengu to Kappa to Kaminari-don (The Goblin, the Water Imp, and the Thunder God), a thrilling and humorous tale about creative thinking and finding clever ways to solve problems.

Following the presentation, participants will create their own Kappa plate and celebrate April Fool’s Day together!

4月1日：紙芝居「てんぐとかっぱとかみなりどん」とかっぱのおさら

4月1日はエイプリルフール！一年の中で唯一嘘をついてもいい日です！

紙芝居「てんぐとかっぱとかみなりどん」は、主人公の息子がどうやって怖い妖怪たちに立ち向かうかが見どころです！そして紙芝居の後は、いたずら大好きなかっぱのおさらを作ってエイプリルフールを一緒にお祝いしましょう。

Treat yourself to Japanese wagashi made by Sweets Oyatsu at the JASH office. The popup will be from 12:00 PM - sold out

A variety of traditional Japanese sweets will be available for purchase during the event. The menu will contain the below items:

• Strawberry Mochi

• Yomogi Mochi

• Pecans Mochi

• Dorayaki

• Matcha Cheesecake

• Hojicha Cheesecake

• Yubeshi

• Tapioca Mochi

Only cashless payments will be accepted. While the sweets will be readily available to the public during the event, click the button below to contact Sweets Oyatsu directly to confirm the items that will be available and pre-order your favorite treats.

Pre-orders must be placed by Wednesday evening, March 25.

Here’s a clean, fully revised version of your event page with improved flow, clarity, and updated menu details while keeping your tone warm, engaging, and professional:

Join Japan-America Society of Houston (JASH) for the March edition of our family-friendly online Japanese home cooking series おうちごはん! OUCHIGOHAN—and cook along from your own kitchen!

As March brings its signature excitement, we’re channeling that energy into the kitchen with a little culinary “madness” of our own—spotlighting miso as the bold, umami-rich MVP of the Japanese pantry.

In proud partnership with Table for Two’s #EdamameChamp Campaign, we are celebrating soybeans—the plant-based powerhouse at the heart of miso. For centuries, miso has been a cornerstone of Japanese cuisine, prized for its depth, versatility, and nourishing qualities.

During this interactive cookalong, participants will explore creative and delicious ways to cook with miso—highlighting its rich flavor and cultural significance while inspiring new everyday favorites.

For this session, we are especially honored to welcome Chef Shinji Takahashi, Resident Chef of the Official Residence of the Consul General of Japan in Houston, who will guide us step-by-step through this flavorful culinary experience.

Chef Takahashi has curated a menu that showcases miso across both traditional and creative dishes—each inspired by those he has served to guests at the Official Residence:

• Simmered Daikon with Miso Sauce

• Creamy Miso Pasta with Shimeji and Spinach

• Sweet Miso Pudding

Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or brand new to Japanese cuisine, this family-friendly program is designed for all ages and skill levels.

Advance ticket purchase required. One registration per family. Members of other Japan/Japan America Societies—please enter your society’s discount code at checkout for member pricing.

The recipe cards, ingredient list, and Zoom link will be sent a few days prior to the event.

Get ready to stir, whisk, and taste your way through MISO MADNESS!

If you want, I can also make a slightly shorter version for social media or a more promotional version with stronger calls-to-action.

MISO MADNESS BRACKET

Cast Your Vote. Crown the Champion. Celebrate Miso.

The Miso Madness doesn’t stop in the kitchen!

Throughout March, iconic miso dishes will go head-to-head in a tasty showdown to determine the #MisoMadness version of #EdamameChamp.

From comforting classics to regional specialties, each matchup highlights the incredible versatility and depth of Japan’s beloved fermented soybean paste.

How It Works

• Matchups are released periodically throughout March

• Voting will remain open for 24 hours per round

• Winners advance through the bracket

• The final champion will be revealed LIVE during our March 21 Ouchigohanprogram!

Vote based on flavor, nostalgia, regional pride—or simply which dish makes you hungriest.

Follow along, rally your favorites, and help us narrow down the field to one ultlimate Miso Champion!

Now it’s your turn to decide which dish reigns supreme! Let the Miso Madness begin!

About the Guest Chef:

Chef Shinji Takahashi began his culinary career in 1997 when he joined Royal Holdings. During his first two years with the company, he trained at the Royal Academy, where he studied the fundamentals of cooking.

In 2003, he began working at a hotel in Obihiro. At the time, the executive chef specialized in Japanese cuisine and was particularly known for his skill in kazari-giri (decorative knife techniques). Chef Takahashi was deeply influenced by this mentor and developed an appreciation for the artistry of Japanese culinary presentation.

In 2005, he returned to his hometown region of Hamadori in Fukushima Prefecture, where he began pursuing Japanese cuisine in earnest while working at a traditional ryokan.

On March 11, 2011, the Great East Japan Earthquake dramatically altered his life. As a victim of the disaster, he and his family were forced to evacuate repeatedly for a year. Because radiation levels around his family home eventually reached what was considered an annual lethal dose, they had no choice but to give up the property.

In 2012, after relocating to Yachiyo City in Chiba Prefecture, he became the head chef of the kaiseki restaurant Nanohanatei. During this time, he also developed a passion for squash—playing daily after returning from the market, and quickly improving beyond his peers.

In 2017, Chef Takahashi began serving as the official residence chef for the Consul-General of Japan in Curitiba, Brazil.

Since January 2022, he has been serving as the residence chef at the official residence of the Consul-General of Japan in Houston.

About the Instructor:

Debra Samuels leads the program content and curriculum development of TABLE FOR TWO USA’s Japanese inspired food education program, “Wa- Shokuiku -Learn. Cook. Eat Japanese!”.

She was a food writer and contributor to the Food Section of The Boston Globe and has authored two cookbooks: “My Japanese Table,” and “The Korean Table.” She curated the exhibit, “Obento and Built Space: Japanese Boxed Lunch and Architecture,” at the Boston Architectural College (2015) and co-curated “Objects of Use and Beauty: Design and Craft in Japanese Culinary Tools,” at the Fuller Craft Museum (2018). Debra also worked as a program coordinator and an exhibition developer at the Japanese department of the Boston Children's Museum (1992-2000).

Debra has lived in Japan, all together, for 12 years and specializes in Japanese cuisine. She travels around the country and abroad teaching hands on workshops on obento, the Japanese lunchbox. During Covid 19 she is teaching live online cooking programs to youth and adults.

About #EdamameChamp:

This program is made possible by:

Program Note: Photographs may be taken during the event for the records of the program host and for use in public media outlets. Registering for the event generally signifies acknowledgment that your likeness may be used in these ways.

Join JASH at Evelyn’s Park on the second Saturday of every month to experience the art of origami!

Each session will have a theme highlighting a specific Japanese holiday or celebration. Participants of all ages can enjoy mastering this artform through three designs of various difficulty. From beginners to advanced practitioners, there is an origami pattern for everyone.

March Theme: Saint Patrick’s Day

St. Patrick’s Day is here! Are you ready to go green? In Japan, there are many traditional shades of green that symbolize nature, youth, and serenity. Let’s celebrate by adding a Japanese touch to St. Patrick’s Day by creating festive origami! Join us for a creative and joyful activity perfect for families and kids of all ages.

Three (3) origami patterns ranging from beginner to advanced are available for participants to enjoy. Make a Leprechaun’s Hat, a Leprechaun, and a clover!

Origami:

·        Beginner: Leprechaun’s Hat

·        Intermediate: Leprechaun

·        Advance: Clover

PROGRAM PARTNER:

“Japan Junction” is returning to the Levy Park Spring Break Family Storytime lineup with a special baseball-themed celebration!

Join us for a reading of Decoy Saves Opening Day by Shohei Ohtani and Michael Blank, a fun and heartwarming story inspired by Ohtani’s beloved dog, Decoy. In celebration of the World Baseball Classic, families will enjoy a story about teamwork, determination, and the excitement of the game.

The story follows Decoy as he helps save Opening Day, showing how even the smallest teammate can make a big difference. With themes of perseverance, friendship, and love for baseball, this charming book is perfect for young fans and future ballplayers alike. ⚾

Following the reading, kids can get creative with a “Make Your Own Lucky Baseball” craft. Design and decorate your very own lucky ball to bring good fortune to your favorite team this season!

All craft supplies and instruction will be provided by the Japan-America Society of Houston.

Come celebrate baseball, stories, and creativity with us as we cheer on the spirit of the game and the global friendship that sports inspire.

JASH is proud to partner with Performing Arts Houston for Theater District Day — a FREE day of performances, workshops, and family fun in the heart of downtown Houston!

As part of this exciting citywide celebration, JASH will host a hands-on cultural activity inspired by “SOAR,” the 2025 Performing Arts Houston art contest theme. We are seeking enthusiastic volunteers to help us engage families and children in this interactive experience.

[What’s Happening at Theater District Day]

• Alley Theatre – Stage combat demos & creating The Importance of Being Earnest

• Jones Hall – Backstage tours & Houston Symphony Closing Concert

• Hobby Center – Backstage and onstage tours & Body by Broadway

• Houston Ballet – Multi-Generational Creative Dance Class & Movement Class

• Lynn Wyatt Square – Kick-off celebration, interactive workshops & performances

• Wortham Center – Backstage tours & performances by Mercury Quartet, Houston Grand Opera, and more

Plus hands-on activities, giveaways, and artistic surprises throughout the day!

As a JASH volunteer, you will:

• Assist with our interactive activity inspired by the theme “SOAR”

• Welcome and engage families in a creative, arts-focused experience

• Share the spirit of U.S.–Japan friendship through cultural exchange

• Represent JASH at one of Houston’s signature arts celebrations

This is a wonderful opportunity to support the arts, connect with the community, and help Houston’s creativity take flight.

To join the JASH Theater District Day volunteer team, please complete the form below:

Each participant must register individually.

NOTE: If you would like to register as part of a group, please email Mai Oashi at moashi@jas-hou.org before completing the form below.

The Texas State Japanese Language Speech Contest will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2026.

The goal of the Texas State Japanese Language Speech Contest is to inspire Japanese language learners of all levels and ages to challenge themselves and improve their Japanese by providing an opportunity to demonstrate oral language communication skills. The contest also strives to bring together the Japanese and American communities to advocate for and to celebrate Japanese language learning, and to encourage students to further their understanding of Japan, its people, and its culture.

Registration for the Contest is open until Saturday, February 28 at 5:00 PM. Click the button below to register:

COMPETITION SCHEDULE (subject to change)

11:30 AM | Registration

12:00 PM | Opening Ceremony

12:20 PM | Competition Part I

• Division III: Free Speech Aurora

• Division II: Haiku

<<Break>>

2:10 PM | Competition Part II

• Division I: Poetry Recitation

• Division IV: Free Speech College/University

• Division V: Free Speech OPEN

4:00 PM | Intermission

4:45 PM | Awards Presentation and Closing Ceremony

Presented by:

Experience the wonder of Japan in Levy Park on the first Wednesday of every month with JASH at Japan Junction. Kids of all ages will enjoy expanding their cultural horizons through kamishibai “paper drama” storytelling and fun crafts that highlight Japanese traditions from origami to woodblock print making and more!

ヒューストン日米協会（JASH）は、毎月第1水曜日にLevy Parkで日本の素晴らしさを体験できるイベント“Japan Junction”を開催します。日本の昔話を紙芝居で紹介し、そして折り紙から木版画まで様々な日本の伝統文化を感じられるクラフト作りを通して、子供たちが楽しみながら文化的な視野を広げる機会を提供します。

Japanese craftsmanship transcends time. This online presentation showcases ten essential genres of master artistry — ceramics, indigo dyeing, metal, and more — and contrasts familiar traditional forms that have endured for generations with bold contemporary expressions often using identical techniques. Creating both the classical and modern forms demand the same unwavering commitment: 7 to 10 years of rigorous apprenticeship. Experience how Japan’s craftspeople bridge past and present without compromise. Additionally, learn how the JapanCraft21 building school has graduated 17 young working carpenters in the almost lost art of advanced joinery.

​Agenda: 
7:00-7:05 PM Opening Remarks 
7:05-8:00 PM Presentation by Steve Beimel 
8:00-8:10 PM Moderated Discussion led by Steve Pollock 
8:10-8:25 PM Q&A 
8:25-8:30 PM Closing Remarks 

The Inaugural Glen Gondo Golf Classic brings together community leaders, business partners, and friends to celebrate the remarkable legacy of Glen Gondo—entrepreneur, philanthropist, and a tireless advocate for U.S.–Japan cultural and business relations.

Held at the Golf Club of Houston, this premier tournament reflects Glen’s lifelong passion for bringing people together in support of meaningful causes. Participants will enjoy a day of spirited competition on the greens, opportunities to build lasting connections, and chances to win exciting prizes.

Proceeds from the tournament will benefit the Japan-America Society of Houston (JASH) and its educational initiatives, carrying forward Glen’s tradition of giving back and building bridges across cultures and communities.

Join us for this inaugural event as we honor Glen’s enduring impact and tee off for a future of friendship, generosity, and collaboration.

Celebrate the Lunar New Year and the Year of the Horse at The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston’s family-friendly Winter Festival!

Enjoy art-making activities with family and friends, watch musical and dance performances, and indulge in foods representing a variety of Asian cuisines, available for purchase from local vendors.

While Japan’s official and cultural New Year’s Day now falls on January 1 according to the Gregorian calendar, this was not always the case. Prior to the Meiji Period, Japan observed the New Year in accordance with the lunisolar calendar.

Both in the past and today, the New Year in Japan is a time for setting fresh goals and making heartfelt wishes for the year ahead. One meaningful tradition is writing these wishes on ema—small wooden plaques that are offered at Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples as prayers for success, good health, and happiness.

Create your very own ema and write a wish or goal for the year ahead. Your ema will serve as a reminder of your aspirations and encourage you as you work toward achieving them.

JASH needs your help to introduce this Japanese New Year’s tradition to MFAH Winter Festival attendees.

Volunteer with JASH and provide kids of all ages with the opportunity to design and write their own ema.

NOTE: Volunteer Registration is now closed.

Treat yourself to Japanese wagashi made by Sweets Oyatsu at the JASH office. The popup will be from 12:00 PM - sold out

A variety of traditional Japanese sweets will be available for purchase during the event. The menu will contain the below items:

• Strawberry Mochi

• Dango

• Tapioca Mochi

• Yubeshi(pecans& raisins mochi)

• Dorayaki

• Matcha Cheesecake

• Hojicha Cheesecake

Only cashless payments will be accepted. While the sweets will be readily available to the public during the event, click the button below to contact Sweets Oyatsu directly to confirm the items that will be available and pre-order your favorite treats.

Pre-orders must be placed no later than 3:00 PM on Thursday, February 26.

Join the Japan Society of Boston for this family-friendly online Japanese home cooking class series おうちごはん OUCHIGOHAN and cook along or just watch from your own kitchen!

Celebrate Setsubun by making ehomaki - a thick uncut sushi roll eaten while facing the year’s auspicious direction for good luck. The roll will be filled with customizable assortment of ingredients including omlette, marinated mushrooms, seafood, and other vegetables. We will finish the meal with a cozy soy milk matcha latte that’s perfect for warming up in the late winter weather.

The class will be taught by Debra Samuels, lead curriculum and recipe developer for Wa-Shokuiku, a program by Table for Two. Joining her for this month’s OUCHIGOHAN is guest instructor Kevin Hiromoto, owner of Ebisuya Japanese Market. The recipe card with ingredients list and Zoom link will be provided a week before the event.

Advance ticket purchase required. One registration per family.

About the Instructor:

Debra Samuels leads the program content and curriculum development of TABLE FOR TWO USA’s Japanese inspired food education program, “Wa- Shokuiku -Learn. Cook. Eat Japanese!”.

She was a food writer and contributor to the Food Section of The Boston Globe and has authored two cookbooks: “My Japanese Table,” and “The Korean Table.” She curated the exhibit, “Obento and Built Space: Japanese Boxed Lunch and Architecture,” at the Boston Architectural College (2015) and co-curated “Objects of Use and Beauty: Design and Craft in Japanese Culinary Tools,” at the Fuller Craft Museum (2018). Debra also worked as a program coordinator and an exhibition developer at the Japanese department of the Boston Children's Museum (1992-2000).

Debra has lived in Japan, all together, for 12 years and specializes in Japanese cuisine. She travels around the country and abroad teaching hands on workshops on obento, the Japanese lunchbox. During Covid 19 she is teaching live online cooking programs to youth and adults.

This program is made possible by:

Program Note: Photographs may be taken during the event for the records of the program host and for use in public media outlets. Registering for the event generally signifies acknowledgment that your likeness may be used in these ways.

Japanese language learners of all levels and ages in the Greater Houston area are invited to demonstrate their oral Japanese communication skills for a chance to compete at the Texas State Japanese Language Speech Contest at the 2026 Houston Regional Japanese Language Speech Contest. 

The contest strives to bring together the Japanese and American communities to advocate for and to celebrate Japanese language learning, and to encourage students to further their understanding of Japan, its people, and its culture.

For more information on contest divisions, format, eligibility and rules, please review the contest handbook.

Registration for the Houston Regional Japanese Language Speech Contest is now OPEN. Click the button below to register:

COMPETITION SCHEDULE (subject to change)

• 11:30AM | REGISTRATION

• 12:00PM | OPENING CEREMONY

• 12:30PM | COMPETITION

• 12:30PM | DIVISION 3 – FREE SPEECH HIGH SCHOOL AURORA

• 2:20PM | DIVISION 1 – POETRY

• 2:40PM | DIVISION 2 - HAIKU

• 2:55PM | DIVISION 4 – FREE SPEECH COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY

• 4:00PM | CLOSING CEREMONY & AWARDS PRESENTATION

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Japan is a country of museums. There are more than 1,200 art museums yet this fact is often little known outside its borders. They are sprinkled throughout Japan and their range is striking. Museums are a fascinating gateway into Japanese culture, whether traditional or contemporary, but foreign visitors are often bewildered by their quantity and variety. With only a few that offer information in English, a guidebook is indispensable.  

The Art Lover’s Guide to Japanese Museums acts as a personal guide, introducing readers to some of the most distinctive and inspiring art museums in the country. Visiting close to 200 venues nationwide, Sophie Richard conducted in-depth interviews with museum curators and directors, which provides an unrivalled insight into the world of Japanese museums. The vibrant, richly illustrated guide showcases public and private museums selected for the strength of their collection and their individuality, as well as pointers to further local attractions. Among them are sites that have survived earthquakes and wars, beautifully maintained estates turned into museums, sleek examples of contemporary architecture… Some are smaller than others but all are worth a visit.

Held in collaboration with the Japan Society of Northern California, join us for a discussion with art historian and author Sophie Richard about her guide to Japanese museums.

The Art Lover’s Guide to Japanese Museums is available for purchase online from Kinokuniya.

Agenda: 
3:00-3:05 PM Opening Remarks, Steve Pollock | President, Japan Society of Northern California 
3:05-3:30 PM Presentation, Sophie Richard | Art Historian and Author 
3:30-3:45 PM Moderated Q&A 
3:45-4:00 PM Audience Q&A 
4:00-4:05 PM Closing Remarks, Steve Pollock | President, Japan Society of Northern California