LEADING U.S.-JAPAN EXCHANGE IN HOUSTON FOR 57 YEARS
Session III of the JASH Japanese Language Program begins on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. Registration is open for all levels on the Japanese Class Schedule and Class Descriptions pages.
NOTE: All Japanese Language Courses are currently being held remotely through Zoom Meetings.
Click on the button below to register:
Experience the art of origami in Evelyn’s Park on the second Saturday of every month with JASH. 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.
June Theme: Insects
June 4 in Japan is known as Mushi no Hi or Insect Day, owing to a clever combination of the words for six (read, mu) and four (read, shi). Together, they make up mushi — the Japanese word for bugs! Join us for a special origami program in celebration of Mushi no Hi!
Three (3) origami patterns ranging from beginner to advanced are available for participants to enjoy. Try your hand at making a lovely Ladybug, a beautiful Butterfly, and a playful Praying Mantis.
PROGRAM PARTNER:
Image courtesy of JSNC & JapanCraft21.
Join Japan Society of Northern California for an exploration of one of the world’s oldest and most diverse traditions of master craft textiles presented by Steve Beimel from JapanCraft21. Textiles have existed in Japan long before recorded history, including those made from wisteria, banana leaf fiber, elm, alder, ramie, hemp, and kudzu, and later on from silk, cotton, and ramie. Beyond the rich history of textiles from the 7th century to present, the presentation will also cover the practice of dyeing and decorating textiles — sakizome, textiles made from pre-dyed yarn, and atozome, textiles dyed or decorated on woven white cloth.
Beimel and his team at JapanCraft21 are passionately committed to revitalizing traditional Japanese arts. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about Japanese master craft textiles, from ancient history to present day.
This event is FREE with registration. Click the button below to register:
7:00-7:05 PM Opening Remarks
7:05-7:45 PM Presentation by Steve Beimel
7:45-7:55 PM Moderated Discussion led by Steve Pollock
7:55-8:15 PM Q&A
8:05-8:10 PM Closing Remarks
Steve Beimel | Founder, JapanCraft21
Longtime Japanese resident Californian Steve Beimel has been involved with Japanese culture since the early 1970s. In 2018, he founded JapanCraft21 to identify viable but vulnerable traditional Japanese crafts and assist in their revitalization. They started Shinmachiya Juku, a free-of-charge school in Kyoto that teaches traditional construction skills to working carpenters and plasterers, and a program that supports apprenticeship in vulnerable craft genres. Additionally, they hold national contests in support of talented craftspeople. Their Craft Leader Program promotes the work of their 30 contest winners to date. Steve recently retired from Esprit Travel and Tours, a U.S.-based Japanese culture-focused tour company that he founded in 1992. At Esprit, he connected travelers from around the world with talented and gracious Japanese people, enabling them to encounter the richness and beauty of Japanese culture. Prior to that, Steve ran a large U.S.-based wholesale plant growing operation with Japanese partners, serving the landscape construction industry during California’s construction boom years. He holds an M.A. in Applied Counseling Psychology, and he currently lives in the Kyoto foothills with his wife of over 42 years, Ritsuko, an ikebana instructor.
Moderator – Steve Pollock | President, Japan Society of Northern California
Steve Pollock is the President of Japan Society of Northern California (JSNC). Apart from his management responsibilities, he is also an avid consumer of JSNC’s diverse programming on topics ranging from Japanese arts and culture, to business and innovation, healthcare, and policy and economics. Prior to leading JSNC, Steve worked for many years advising Japanese and US companies about cross-cultural business and market entry, while also traveling and reading widely about Japan. He has lived and worked in Japan with his family, and has a passion for sharing and discussing interesting Japan-related content with others.
Japanese summers are known for being steamy (mushiatsui)! But people forget the humidity as soon as they get into their summer yukata and enjoy the street food at their local festivals, or matsuri.
Join the Japan-America Society of Washington D.C July Ouchigohan cooking session as we make these popular matsuri dishes: yakisoba (fried noodles), takoyaki (grilled octopus fritters), and refreshing strawberry kakigori (shaved ice).
We'll provide you with some great hacks, as well as the work-arounds you need, if you don't have the specialized cooking equipment.
The class will be taught by Debra Samuels, lead curriculum and recipe developer for Wa-Shokuiku, a program by Table for Two. The recipe card with ingredient list and Zoom link will be provided a few days before the event.
Members of other Japan/Japan America Societies—please enter your society’s discount code at checkout for member pricing. Advance ticket purchase required. One registration per family.
$10 JASH Members / $15 Non-members. JASH members use code "houston" to register.
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.
Photo courtesy of night.sky.creative.
Steeped in legend, Tanabata (七夕/ star festival) honors the tale of Orihime and Hikoboshi.
According to folklore, the Milky Way separates these lovers, and they are allowed to meet only once a year on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month of the lunisolar calendar.
With the stars aligning for this reunion, wishes are destined to come true. Therefore, on this day, Japanese write their own wishes on colorful paper (tanzaku) and hang them from bamboo branches.
JASH, in collaboration with the Consulate-General of Japan (CGJ) in Houston, will be giving young Houstonians an opportunity to make a wish and learn more about Tanabata on Sunday, August 3 at the Children’s Museum Houston (CMH).
Join us in helping run the Tanabata activity stations that will be available! All volunteers must be at least 16 years of age. Shifts will be assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis. Sign up to volunteer below by Sunday, July 27.
Join JASH this summer as we work together to ensure the Japanese Garden in Hermann Park looks its best before Japan Festival 2025!
From cleaning the teahouse and raking leaves to recovering the trails and weeding -- there is so much to be done and only a short period of time to do it in! Tools & instructions will be provided by the Hermann Park Conservancy staff. Volunteers are encouraged to bring your own gloves, individual water bottles, sunscreen, and insect repellent, if needed.
NOTE: If you would like to register as part of a group, please email JASH Volunteer Coordinator Ikuyo Katayama directly at ikatayama@jas-hou.org before completing the form below.
Complete the form below to register:
夏の日本庭園清掃を、8月23日（土）午前8:00時より 実施致します。当日は、公園スタッフの指導のもと、落ち葉集め、除草、通路の清掃などの作業を分担して楽しく行う予定です。清掃に必要な道具はすべてHermann Park Conservancyより提供されます。屋外での作業となりますので、各自お飲み物、日焼け止め、虫除け等をご準備されることをお勧めします。ご家族、お友達をお誘いの上、是非ご参加ください！
※ グループとして登録をご希望の場合は、JASHボランティアコーディネーターの片山（ikatayama@jas-hou.org）まで直接メールでご連絡ください。
We invite you to join us for Japan Festival Houston 2025, a vibrant weekend celebration of Japanese culture, community, and friendship—held in the heart of Houston’s Hermann Park.
This year’s festival marks a special convergence of past and present as we honor not only the deep cultural connections between Japan and Houston but also the 35th anniversary of the 1990 G7 Summit, hosted in Houston and attended by Japanese Prime Minister Toshiki Kaifu.
On July 8, 1990, during the G7 Summit, a historic ceremony was held at the J.W. Marriott Hotel in Houston’s Galleria area to commemorate Japan’s contribution to the city. Prime Minister Kaifu and his wife, eight members of the Japanese Diet, Ambassador Murata, and Consul General Hori joined American dignitaries and business leaders in unveiling the model for what would become the Japanese Garden in Hermann Park. At that ceremony, Prime Minister Kaifu announced a gift from the Government of Japan to help fund the construction of an azumaya (garden pavilion)—a lasting symbol of peace, beauty, and friendship between Japan and the United States.
What to Expect:
Traditional and contemporary performances
Delicious Japanese food & refreshing beverages
Martial arts, tea ceremony, ikebana, cosplay, and more
Family-friendly activities, cultural exhibits, and vendor markets
Expanded festival footprint and exciting new partnerships
Join thousands of visitors from across Texas and beyond in celebrating Japanese arts, heritage, and the long-standing ties between Japan and Houston.
Admission is free, and all are welcome!
Stay tuned for more event details, performer announcements, and volunteer opportunities.
📍 Location: Hermann Park, Houston, TX
🗓️ Dates: Saturday & Sunday, September 6–7, 2025
🌐 Website: www.houstonjapanfest.org
The annual Japan Festival of Houston is co-sponsored by the City of Houston and the Houston Parks and Recreation Department.
We invite you to join us for Japan Festival Houston 2025, a vibrant weekend celebration of Japanese culture, community, and friendship—held in the heart of Houston’s Hermann Park.
This year’s festival marks a special convergence of past and present as we honor not only the deep cultural connections between Japan and Houston but also the 35th anniversary of the 1990 G7 Summit, hosted in Houston and attended by Japanese Prime Minister Toshiki Kaifu.
On July 8, 1990, during the G7 Summit, a historic ceremony was held at the J.W. Marriott Hotel in Houston’s Galleria area to commemorate Japan’s contribution to the city. Prime Minister Kaifu and his wife, eight members of the Japanese Diet, Ambassador Murata, and Consul General Hori joined American dignitaries and business leaders in unveiling the model for what would become the Japanese Garden in Hermann Park. At that ceremony, Prime Minister Kaifu announced a gift from the Government of Japan to help fund the construction of an azumaya (garden pavilion)—a lasting symbol of peace, beauty, and friendship between Japan and the United States.
What to Expect:
Traditional and contemporary performances
Delicious Japanese food & refreshing beverages
Martial arts, tea ceremony, ikebana, cosplay, and more
Family-friendly activities, cultural exhibits, and vendor markets
Expanded festival footprint and exciting new partnerships
Join thousands of visitors from across Texas and beyond in celebrating Japanese arts, heritage, and the long-standing ties between Japan and Houston.
Admission is free, and all are welcome!
Stay tuned for more event details, performer announcements, and volunteer opportunities.
📍 Location: Hermann Park, Houston, TX
🗓️ Dates: Saturday & Sunday, September 6–7, 2025
🌐 Website: www.houstonjapanfest.org
The annual Japan Festival of Houston is co-sponsored by the City of Houston and the Houston Parks and Recreation Department.
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。
June 11: “The Oni Who Sank to the Bottom of the Sea” and Father’s Day Wind Chime
In Japan, Father’s Day—like in many parts of the world—is a day to celebrate and honor dads, grandpas, and the special father figures in our lives.
Join us for a special kamishibai performance of The Oni Who Sank to the Bottom of the Sea, a heartwarming tale of fatherly (and grandfatherly!) love. This story reminds us of the quiet strength and deep care that family members share across generations.
After the story, create your own Father’s Day furin (Japanese-style wind chime)! The hanging tanzaku paper, which has been shaped to resemble a necktie, is the perfect place to write a personal message. The gentle sound of the wind chime will bring a refreshing feeling—just right for the start of the summer season.
Make a one-of-a-kind gift that will brighten Dad’s day and help him stay cool all summer long!
6月11日：紙芝居「うみにしずんだおに」と父の日ふうりん作り
6月15日は「父の日」。お父さん、おじさん、先生など、いつもお世話になっている身近な大人に「ありがとう」の気持ちを伝える日です。
親子の絆を描いた心あたたまる紙芝居「うみにしずんだおに」のあとは、「ありがとう」を伝える風鈴―その名も「父（ふう）鈴」―を作ります。ネクタイ形の短冊にはメッセージを書いてね！これから始まる暑い夏にぴったりの涼しい音色をメッセージといっしょにとどけよう！
Graphic courtesy of Sister Cities International.
Join Sister Cities International (SCI) for an online 2025 U.S.-Japan Sister Cities Summit Virtual Info Session ahead of the U.S.-Japan Sister Cities Summit.
Get the inside scoop on the 2025 U.S.-Japan Sister Cities Summit, hear about the incredible experiences being planned, and learn how to maximize your time in Japan this September. There will also be travel tips, hotel info, and time for Q&A.
This event is FREE with registration. Click the button below to register:
The U.S.-Japan Sister Cities Summit will be held September 16-19, 2025 in Izumisano City, Osaka Prefecture. All 460 U.S.-Japan Sister City partners will be invited along with government entities, NGOs, elected officials, affinity groups, and other key stakeholders to:
Memorialize and reaffirm the U.S.-Japan friendship “for the next 170 years”
Strengthen current bilateral partnerships and develop new relationships
Rejuvenate dormant U.S.-Japan sister city relationships still on pause from COVID
Honor citizen diplomats who have been key to U.S.-Japan relations
Cultivate the next generation of leaders and cultural bridge builders
Explore opportunities for economic development between countries
Participate in programming at the Osaka World Expo
This year’s theme is “Celebrating Our Legacies, Empowering Our Future レガシー、そして未来へ”. Programs and speakers for each day of the summit will focus on the following words/concepts:
Honor 〜感謝を込めて | Tuesday (9/16)
Bridge 〜つなげよう | Wednesday (9/17)
Reimagine 〜新しいビジョン | Thursday (9/18)
Empower 〜そして未来へ | Friday (9/19)
The summit will be in both English and Japanese, with a goal of securing 800 attendees from the U.S. and Japan. Through the U.S.-Japan Sister Cities Summit, Sister Cities International intends to advance the shared missions of SCI, the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan: cultivating people-to-people ties to foster mutual understanding and peace with other countries.
Join the Japan Society of Boston for the June edition of our family-friendly online Japanese home cooking class, おうちごはん Ouchigohan. Cook along with us or just watch from your own kitchen.
Let's try another trending food hack from Japan! Popular among busy Japanese homecooks is this healthy and practical method of cooking a whole meal in one large pan or skillet. A main dish, sides, and even dessert are wrapped in parchment paper, set in simmering water, covered and steamed. Kansei 完成! Dinner is cooked in just 15 minutes!
This session, learn how to make a delicious meal with minimal clean-up and maximum flavor and nutrition! Different from Western sheet pan meals, the Japanese way is faster, healthier, and allows for more variation and moisture retention. We will show you a typical example using this method and then experiment at home for endless variations!
Menu:
Salmon in Ginger Miso Sauce with Cabbage and Mushrooms
Okra or Asparagus with Wasabi Soy Sauce
Baby Potatoes with Carrots with Butter and Soy Sauce
Japanese Sweet Potato and Apples Dessert
*If you don’t have one frying pan large enough, you can use two.
The class will be taught by Debra Samuels, lead curriculum and recipe developer for Wa-Shokuiku, a program by Table for Two. The recipe card with ingredient list and Zoom link will be provided a few days before the event.
Members of other Japan/Japan America Societies—please enter your society’s discount code at checkout for member pricing. Advance ticket purchase required. One registration per family.
$10 JASH Members / $15 Non-members. JASH members use code "houston" to register.
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.
Circa 1904, rice farmer Seito Saibara, wearing straw hat, standing beside his 600-foot deep water well on his farm in Webster. UTSA Special Collection-Institute of Texas Culture.
Join members of the Fairview Cemetary Group, Inc. and the Galveston County Historical Commission for the unveiling of the new historical marker.
Seito SAIBARA was one of the first Japanese immigrants to Texas. Saibara, a highly respected Tokyo lawyer, President of Kyoto’s Doshisha University, and member of the Japanese parliament, was invited to Texas to bring rice farmers to the state following a devastating freeze that destroyed Texas’ existing rice crops.
Saibara arrived in 1903, with a group of 30 colonists. He purchased 304 acres of land in Webster, just outside of Houston, and established a pioneering rice farming colony. His first crop—grown from seed gifted by the Emperor of Japan and harvested in 1904—was distributed across Texas and Louisiana, helping to launch the Gulf Coast rice industry and paving the way for future generations.
Saibara passed in 1939 and was buried in League City’s Fairview Cemetery, followed by several family members. Other settlers would go on to purchase a large block of lots across from the Saibara graves.
On Memorial Day, the Galveston County Historical Commission and the State of Texas will be commemorating Saibara’s achievements and those of the first Japanese settlers in our region through the placement of a new historical marker at Fairview Cemetery, where Saibara and nearly 50 of the first Japanese settlers are laid to rest.
This tribute honors the first Japanese settlers to our region and their lasting impact on agriculture, community, and U.S.-Japan friendship.
In observance of Memorial Day, the JASH offices will be closed Monday, May 26.
We will reopen on Tuesday, May 27.
Courtesy of Harris County Precinct 4 | Commissioner Lesley Briones
Harris County Commissioner Lesley Briones is proud to announce Precinct 4’s very first Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month Celebration. The event will feature live cricket matches with Triggers Cricket Club, along with a cricket clinic for kids ages 6-15, offering a chance to try out the world’s second most popular sport—no experience required!
In addition to the cricket action, there will also be a variety of activities lined up, including:
Live DJs
Henna, watercolor, and balloon artists
Carnival games & inflatable games
Face painting
Foam party
South Asian snacks & food trucks
For more information about the event , please click the button below:
JASH is excited to participate in the Harris County AAPI Month Celebration with a special origami booth highlighting Children’s Day (Kodomo no Hi)—a cherished tradition in Japan celebrated every May 5th.
We'll be teaching eventgoers how to fold origami kabuto samurai helmets, while sharing the history and meaning behind this fun cultural craft. Our booth will also feature a vibrant display of Japanese koinobori (carp streamers)—symbols of strength, courage, and the hope for children's bright futures.
We're looking for friendly, enthusiastic volunteers to help us engage the public, lead origami activities, and share the joy of Japanese culture. No prior origami 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 Thursday, May 15.
NOTE: If you would like to register as part of a group, please email JASH Volunteer Coordinator Ikuyo Katayama directly at ikatayama@jas-hou.org before completing the form below.
Join Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia this May for the family-friendly online Japanese home cooking class series おうちごはん OUCHI GOHAN and cook along or just watch from your own kitchen! On the menu this month is SUPER SANDO SPECIAL!
Like almost everything about Japanese food, Japanese Sandos are next level! Beautiful, delicious, eclectic combinations all describe the wonderful world of what Japanese put between two slices of bread. Combeni (Convenient) Store sandos are legendary. Join us as we put together a picnic bento of sandos that includes: Pork, Chicken or Tofu Katsu, the Kyoto specialty fuwa-fuwa fluffy Dashi Tamago Sando and special dessert, Fruits Sando with strawberries and blueberries on a cloud of whipped cream. Add asparagus spears with wasabi soy sauce and you are all set for summer.
Members of other Japan/Japan America Societies—please enter your society’s discount code at checkout for member pricing. Advance ticket purchase required. One registration per family.
The recipe card with ingredient list and Zoom link will be provided a few days before the event.
$10 JASH Members / $15 Non-members. JASH members use code "Houston" to register.
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.
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 14: “Peach Boy” and Koinobori Kendama
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 koinobori kendama—a playful twist on a traditional Japanese toy. The koinobori (colorful carp streamers) symbolize strength and determination, while the kendama, celebrated on Kendama Day (May 14th), help build hand-eye coordination, dexterity, and focus.
Celebrate two unique days in Japanese culture with one creative, hands-on activity!
5月14日：紙芝居「ももたろう」とこいのぼりけん玉
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、紙コップを使ってこいのぼりけん玉を作ります。
そして5月14日は「けん玉の日」！
自分で作ったカラフルなこいのぼりけん玉でたくさん遊んで、この２つの日本の文化を一緒にお祝いしよう！
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 art form through three designs of various difficulty. From beginners to advanced practitioners, there is an origami pattern for everyone.
May Theme: Children’s Day Origami
May 5 is Kodomo no Hi or Children’s Day in Japan. The national holiday is celebrated to wish for the healthy growth, happiness, and prosperity of all boys and girls. Children’s Day is known for its unique decorations including koinobori or carp streamers, gogatsu-ningyo or samurai dolls along with their armaments, and kabuto or samurai helmets. A symbol of both strength and durability, the kabuto is used to inspire Japanese youth to do their best and succeed.
The three (3) origami patterns ranging from beginner to advanced are available for participants to enjoy. Stop by and craft three different styles of kabuto to experience Children’s Day at the park
PROGRAM PARTNER:
JASH will be joining Texas Medical Center (TMC) in celebrating the arrival of spring with an evening outdoors at Helix Park.
Flutter & Fly invites families, nature lovers, and community members to explore the park’s newest addition—a dedicated butterfly garden designed to attract and support pollinators.
Throughout the evening, guests can participate in hands-on crafts, enjoy food from local vendors, and connect with Houston-based community organizations focused on conservation, education, and the arts. Houston Children's Book Author Valerie Sweeten will host a live storybook reading, bringing the magic of storytelling to the open air.
Stroll through the park, learn about the role of pollinators, and enjoy an evening of creativity, storytelling, and community. This event is free and open to the public.
JASH will be on hand to introduce koinobori carp streamers, which also flutter in the Japanese sky during May.
Please park in either the Parcel I or TMC3 garage located at 1885 Old Spanish Trail, Houston, Texas 77030.
Every spring, we come together to ensure the Japanese Garden in Hermann Park looks its best!
From cleaning the teahouse and raking leaves to recovering the trails and weeding -- there is so much to be done and only a short period of time to do it in! Tools & instructions will be provided by the Hermann Park Conservancy staff. Volunteers are encouraged to bring your own gloves, individual water bottles, sunscreen, and insect repellent, if needed.
Complete the form below to register:
春の日本庭園清掃を、5月3日（土）午前9:00時より 実施致します。当日は、公園スタッフの指導のもと、落ち葉集め、除草、通路の清掃などの作業を分担して楽しく行う予定です。清掃に必要な道具はすべてHermann Park Conservancyより提供されます。屋外での作業となりますので、各自お飲み物、日焼け止め、虫除け等をご準備されることをお勧めします。ご家族、お友達をお誘いの上、是非ご参加ください！
恐れ入りますが、グループで参加をご希望の場合も、お申し込みはお1人ずつお願い致します。
From April 24th to May 4th, WorldFest Houston will host the 58th Houston International Film Festival, showcasing a rich tapestry of films from diverse cultures.
This year, Japan is being highlighted through the Kenta Ikeda film “Strangers.”
A disillusioned office worker finds freedom and a new sense of self after assuming her missing colleague’s identity on a dating app, only to find it comes at the cost of much more.
Don’t miss the Texas premiere of this thriller!
JASH members use code "JASH58WF" which provides 25% off WorldFest purchases.
About “Strangers”
Year: 2024
Runtime: 100 minutes
Language: Japanese
Country: Japan
Genre: Thriller, Horror, Drama
Subtitle Language: English
Director: Kenta Ikeda
Screenwriter: Kenta Ikeda
Producer: Kenta Ikeda, Tadashi Nagayama
Cast: Ayaka Onishi, Hyunri, An Ogawa, Reiya Masaki, Ryo Iwase, Shoichiro Tanigawa, Yoshinori Miyata
Cinematographer: Yasuyuki Sasaki
About WorldFest Houston
WorldFest Houston has been a beacon of independent cinema since its inception in 1961. Its mission is to celebrate and promote the art of filmmaking while providing a platform for emerging filmmakers. Through it's annual film festival, WorldFest aims to enrich Houston's cultural landscape and inspire audiences with diverse stories from around the globe.
Join Japan-America Society of Georgia (JASG) this April for the family-friendly online Japanese home cooking class series おうちごはん OUCHI GOHAN and cook along or just watch from your own kitchen! On the menu this month is NASU DENGAKU & AGEDASHI TOFU!
Nasu Dengaku is a delicious Japanese dish featuring grilled or broiled eggplant topped with a sweet and savory miso glaze. The rich umami flavor comes from a blend of miso paste, mirin, sake, and sugar, creating a beautifully caramelized finish. Soft and tender inside with a slightly smoky glaze, this dish is simple yet packed with deep, satisfying flavor. Often served with steamed rice and vegetable sides, this dish is a great way to enjoy traditional Japanese cooking. Join us to learn more about this classic appetizer!
Agedashi Tofu is a comforting and flavorful Japanese dish featuring crispy, deep-fried tofu served in a light, savory broth. The tofu is coated in a thin layer of starch, creating a delicate crispness that contrasts beautifully with the warm, umami-rich dashi-based sauce. Garnished with toppings like grated daikon, green onions, and bonito flakes, Agedashi Tofu offers a balance of texture and flavor that makes it a popular appetizer or side dish. Simple yet deeply satisfying, this dish is a great introduction to traditional Japanese cooking!
The class will be taught by Debra Samuels, lead curriculum and recipe developer for Wa-Shokuiku, a program of Table for Two. Debra is an author of two cookbooks and the 2020 recipient of the John E. Thayer III Award for Outstanding Contributions to Cultural Exchange Between the United States and Japan.
Members of other Japan/Japan America Societies—please enter your society’s discount code at checkout for member pricing. Advance ticket purchase required. One registration per family.
The recipe card with ingredient list and Zoom link will be provided a few days before the event.
$10 JASH Members / $15 Non-members. JASH members use code "houston" to register.
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.
The Japan-America Society of Houston (JASH) offices will be closed on Friday, April 18, in observance of Good Friday and the Easter Holiday.
Normal business hours and classes will resume on April 21.
From April 17~20, 2025, the College of Performance, Visualization, and Fine Arts at Texas A&M University (College Station, Texas) will host the eight incarnation of the World Shakuhachi Festival (WFS). WSF 2025 will feature a diverse range of music from these genres in concerts, workshops, lectures, exhibitions, masterclasses, and informal gatherings. Participants can learn from and experience the artistry of the most consummate shakuhachi artists in the world and be inspired by the endless possibilities inherent in this simple bamboo flute.
The festival will present four main stage concerts: a gala concert at the world-famous Festival Hill performance space in the historic town of Round Top and three concerts in Rudder Theater on the campus of Texas A&M University. Each day of the festival will feature numerous mini-concerts, workshops, and masterclasses and there will also be performance opportunities at open mic slots and informal sessions.
The festival will also feature noted shamisen and koto players, as well as noted local performers of various Western orchestral instruments, making it a truly once-in-a-lifetime event.
Shakuhachi Around the Globe | April 17 | 6:30 PM | Rudder Theater, Texas A&M
Japanese Masters and Masterpieces | April 18 | 6:30 PM | Rudder Theater, Texas A&M
Treasures of Shakuhachi Musical Heritage–From Then to Now | April 19 | 6:00 PM | Festival Hill, Round Top
Transcending Time and Space–The Future of the Shakuhachi | April 20 | 4:30 PM | Rudder Theater, Texas A&M
The World Shakuhachi Festival Texas 2025 is a celebration of everything shakuhachi–the Japanese end-blown bamboo flute. It is a quadrennial gathering of hundreds of people from around the world who come together to perform and hear performances, attend workshops, swap anecdotes, and share the history and wonder of this stunning Japanese musical tradition, both amongst themselves and with the local community and public. The first World Shakuhachi Festival was initiated by YOKOYAMA Katsuya (1934 – 2010) and was held in 1994 in Bisei, Okayama Prefecture, Japan. Subsequently the World Shakuhachi Festivals took place in Boulder, USA (1998), Tokyo, Japan (2002), New York, USA (2004), Sydney, Australia (2008), Kyoto, Japan (2012), and London (2018).
WSF Texas 2025 continues the tradition established in 1994 of gathering professional and amateur performers, scholars, and enthusiasts of the shakuhachi from around the globe for a festival in the style of an international musical congress. The festival has from its beginning been a rare opportunity in which many top shakuhachi, koto and shamisen players from diverse backgrounds, styles, and guilds get together and perform. The WSF has thus become an established event to listen to and learn from the leading players in the world.
Over the past several decades, Japanese popular culture has taken hold around the world. Today, the captivating sounds of Japanese traditional music has become a part of global consciousness. The shakuhachi and other Japanese instruments such as taiko drums have been embraced by musicians and composers from many cultures and are practiced and performed on every continent. The shakuhachi is now commonly heard in film scores, anime, and in video games. It has gained traction in classical music, jazz, and rock n’ roll. Music of the shakuhachi went interstellar when the “Golden Record” was launched on the Voyager II spacecraft in 1977, featuring a recording of the shakuhachi legend, previous National Living Treasure YAMAGUCHI Gorō (1933-1999). The current National Living Treasure NOMURA Hōzan is among the nearly 55 guest artists from around the world we have invited to attend and share their artistry.
WSF 2025 will transform the campus of Texas A&M and the cities of Bryan-College Station with the music of the shakuhachi, a magical instrument that somehow has the power to transcend national, cultural, and linguistic boundaries.
Treat yourself each month to Japanese Sweets at the JASH office. This month, enjoy Japanese wagashi made by Sweets Oyatsu.
This week’s items will include the following:
Strawberry Mochi
Tapioca Mochi
Dorayaki
Sakura Mochi
Matcha Cheesecake
Dango
Banana Pecan Mochi (contains nuts)
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 Wednesday, April 16.
Originally from Kyoto, Swwets Oyatsu crafts handmade, all natural and additive-free, everyday wagashi, taking special care to incorporate seasonal ingredients.
Image courtesy of JSNC & JapanCraft21.
Join Japan Society of Northern California for a direct experience of Japanese aesthetics, as seen in art, architecture, and gardens. From the refined rusticity of wabi-sabi to suggestive mystery, from freedom and spontaneity in artistic expression to elegance and courtliness in manner and ritual, the Japan Society of Northern California and special guest Steve Beimel will explore these concepts as well as framing, transition, color, and general presentation that has developed over 1000 years. Beimel and his team at JapanCraft21 are passionately committed to revitalizing traditional Japanese arts. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about the foundations of Japanese beauty — reserve your spot today!
This event is FREE with registration. Click the button below to register:
7:00-7:05 PM Opening Remarks
7:05-7:45 PM Presentation by Steve Beimel
7:45-7:55 PM Moderated Discussion led by Steve Pollock
7:55-8:15 PM Q&A
8:05-8:10 PM Closing Remarks
Steve Beimel | Founder, JapanCraft21
Longtime Japanese resident Californian Steve Beimel has been involved with Japanese culture since the early 1970s. In 2018, he founded JapanCraft21 to identify viable but vulnerable traditional Japanese crafts and assist in their revitalization. They started Shinmachiya Juku, a free-of-charge school in Kyoto that teaches traditional construction skills to working carpenters and plasterers, and a program that supports apprenticeship in vulnerable craft genres. Additionally, they hold national contests in support of talented craftspeople. Their Craft Leader Program promotes the work of their 30 contest winners to date. Steve recently retired from Esprit Travel and Tours, a U.S.-based Japanese culture-focused tour company that he founded in 1992. At Esprit, he connected travelers from around the world with talented and gracious Japanese people, enabling them to encounter the richness and beauty of Japanese culture. Prior to that, Steve ran a large U.S.-based wholesale plant growing operation with Japanese partners, serving the landscape construction industry during California’s construction boom years. He holds an M.A. in Applied Counseling Psychology, and he currently lives in the Kyoto foothills with his wife of over 42 years, Ritsuko, an ikebana instructor.
Moderator – Steve Pollock | President, Japan Society of Northern California
Steve Pollock is the President of Japan Society of Northern California (JSNC). Apart from his management responsibilities, he is also an avid consumer of JSNC’s diverse programming on topics ranging from Japanese arts and culture, to business and innovation, healthcare, and policy and economics. Prior to leading JSNC, Steve worked for many years advising Japanese and US companies about cross-cultural business and market entry, while also traveling and reading widely about Japan. He has lived and worked in Japan with his family, and has a passion for sharing and discussing interesting Japan-related content with others.
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 art form through three designs of various difficulty. From beginners to advanced practitioners, there is an origami pattern for everyone.
April Theme: Discover Osaka
Spring 2025 is bringing an exciting event to one of Japan’s most famous cities, Osaka! Join us an origami-folding journey through Osaka’s rich culture and iconic landmarks in celebration of WORLD EXPO 2025, which opens on April 13. We will fold the cute official mascot, Myaku-myaku, the Osaka city flower, Sakura, and a Tiger, which is depicted on the main tower of Osaka Castle.
The three (3) origami patterns ranging from beginner to advanced are available for participants to enjoy.
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 2: “The Tubmaker Who Flew to the Sky” and Den-Den Daiko
Spring is said to be the best time to travel in Japan. Cherry blossoms are in bloom, and people head outdoors to enjoy the transient beauty of the Sakura through Hanami or flower viewing picnics with family and friends. However, spring weather can be unpredictable, and sometimes it brings spring storms. The spring rain can spoil even the best-intentioned Sakura spotting efforts.
Join us for a kamishibai reading of “Okeya no Ten Nobori” or “The Tubmaker Who Flew to the Sky” where you will learn about a sleepy thunder god, kaminari-sama, who makes rainstorms.
Following the kamishibai presentation, make your own “den-den daiko” drum like the one Kaminari-sama uses in the story. With this, you will have lots of fun playing even on rainy days!
4月2日：紙芝居「おけやのてんのぼり」とでんでん太鼓
春は一雨ごとに暖かくなり、花見や鮮やかな植物の緑を楽しむ季節。一方で春の天気は変わりやすく、春の嵐となることも。紙芝居「おけやのてんのぼり」では、雨を降らせて雷を鳴らす雷様が登場します。紙芝居の後はでんでん太鼓を作って、憂鬱な雨の日でも楽しく遊んで、春を満喫しましょう！
Join Japan-America Society of Houston (JASH) for the March edition of the family-friendly online Japanese home cooking class series おうちごはん! OUCHIGOHAN and cook along from your own kitchen!
On the menu this month is KOROKKE! Yes, picnic season is upon us, making it the perfect time to learn how to make one of our favorite bento box staples—korokke (コロッケ)! These crispy, golden potato spheres have a crunchy panko exterior that gives way to a soft, savory filling.
Korokke first arrived in Japan in the late 1800s, inspired by French croquettes. But with dairy being scarce at the time, potatoes took center stage as the filling. Over time, potato korokke became a beloved Yoshoku dish (Western-influenced Japanese cuisine) and remains a popular homemade comfort food and street food favorite today.
For this special Ouchigohan! program, we’re putting a fresh twist on the classic by adding edamame, in celebration of Table for Two’s #EdamameChamp Campaign—shining a spotlight on soybeans, the tasty and nutritious plant-based hero.
To make the event even more exciting, we’ll be joined by KID CHEF Mina, star of the popular YouTube channel Mina Makes, who will guide us step-by-step through creating the perfect korokke.
This family-friendly cookalong is the perfect way to kick off spring come cook with us!
Members of other Japan/Japan America Societies—please enter your society’s discount code at checkout for member pricing. Advance ticket purchase required. One registration per family.
The recipe card with ingredient list and Zoom link will be provided a few days before the event.
NAJAS/JETAA friends select “NAJAS MEMBER” and enter your Society-provided code at checkout for a discounted rate.
Kid Chef Mina is the creative force behind the popular YouTube channel “Mina Makes,” where she’s on a mission to turn picky eaters into fearless food explorers. With over 150,000 subscribers and more than 65 million views, Mina’s fun, creative recipes and kid-friendly cooking challenges have inspired families around the world to step into the kitchen and try something new.
At just 8 years old, Mina wowed audiences — and even Chef Gordon Ramsay — when she cooked her way onto “MasterChef Junior.” Since then, her passion for cooking has only grown, leading to the launch of her debut cookbook, “In the Kitchen with Mina,” a collection of fun, approachable recipes designed to help kids (and parents!) cook with confidence.
From playful snacks to global flavors and exciting food experiments, Mina’s goal is simple: to prove that anyone can be a chef — no matter their age — and that every picky eater has the potential to become a fearless food explorer.
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.
#EdamameChamp is Table For Two’s annual spring campaign to promote healthy eating through Japanese cuisine with a focus on soy. Join the chopstick skill competition and see how many edamame you can pick up in 1 minute!
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.
Celebrating more than 40 years, Kodō returns to North America with ONE EARTH TOUR 2025: WARABE, a thrilling performance that revisits the ensemble’s early repertoire—blending simple forms of taiko expression that highlight its unique sound, resonance, and physicality.
With Warabe, Kodō explores the desire to play the drums with the simple heart of a child. These highly athletic drummers, bearers of a centuries-old Japanese tradition, create a universe of sound and emotion through thunderous percussion and polished theatricality.
Capturing the essence of Kodō’s early days, this family-friendly performance celebrates the ensemble’s enduring spirit as children of the drum. Come and experience the soul-stirring rhythm of life firsthand.
“Artists who appeared to have moved into a fantastical realm where the usual limits to human endeavour do not apply.”
Financial Times, London
Brought to Houston by the Performing Arts Houston.
Part of Performing Arts Houston’s Global Voices Series sponsored in part by the Elkins Foundation
Photo by Takashi Okamoto
Join JASH for an opportunity to watch our Houston SaberCats take on the San Diego Legion during International Night at SaberCats Stadium!
Come out and cheer for Houston and enjoy the opportunity to meet international players like former Tokyo Gas Rugby Football Club player Tautalatasi Tasi.
Discounted tickets for JASH members are available for a limited time through the special link below:
Kids 5 and under do not need a ticket to enter the stadium.
Image courtesy of Japan Foundation New York
Are you an educator, librarian, or parent wondering how to channel children’s passion for manga and anime into their education and development?
Join the Japan Foundation New York (JFNY) for a FREE online panel as experts discuss the profound impact of these beloved media on learning and beyond, with real-world examples from the U.S. and Japan.
What You’ll Learn:
How Manga Can Inspire Creativity in Students: Learn how a high school comic book club in NYC used manga to motivate students to learn through the creation of their own manga. Discover how this unique storytelling form nurtures personal creativity and growth among young learners in the U.S.
The Role and Influence of Manga for children in Japan: Understand how manga has shaped the development of children in Japan, and the impact of environments like comic markets on the creative landscape in Japan and Asia.
Anime as a Tool for Student Engagement in Higher Education: Learn how anime can serve as a tool to keep students engaged in their studies, reduce dropout rates, and foster a sense of community and belonging on college campuses.
Q&A:
Don’t forget to submit your questions during registration—our experts, including moderator Dr. Masami Toku, will discuss them during the event!
This is a FREE event with registration. Registrants will receive the link to the stream via email. Click the button below to register:
Dr. Michael Bitz:
Michael Bitz is an innovator in education who has worked to bring creativity and arts learning to youths around the world. His programs have reached thousands of learners and have been featured by the Washington Post, New York Times, National Public Radio, and the Associated Press. He has written two books: Manga High: Literacy, Identity, and Coming of Age in an Urban High School (Harvard Education Press, 2009) and When Commas Meet Kryptonite: Classroom Lessons from the Comic Book Project (Teachers College Press, 2010). He is a Professor of Teacher Education at Ramapo College, where he also directs the Instructional Design Center.
Dr. Brent Wilson:
Brent Wilson is a professor emeritus in the School of Visual Arts at Penn State. His research includes studies of visual cultural influences on children’s artistic development, cross-cultural studies of children’s visual narratives, Japanese children’s story drawings and Japanese and Taiwanese teenagers’ dojinshi/manga and Asian comic markets. He makes and exhibits artist-books and autobiographical folios.
Emilie Waggoner:
Emilie Waggoner is the Director of Student Transitions at the University of Colorado Denver, where she also teaches courses in the First-Year Experience program, including a class she created called Anime Goes to College. Emilie is also a doctoral student in the School of Education and Human Development, researching the impact AI has on students' self-efficacy and college success skill attainment. Emilie's research interests are broad, including: Japanese anime college student fandom, student development theory, and AI, and she has presented on these topics and more at various conferences and conventions across the United States.
Dr. Masami Toku:
Masami Toku is a professor of art education at California State University, Chico. Her research interest is the cross-cultural study of children’s artistic and aesthetic developments in their pictorial worlds and how visual pop-culture influences children’s visual literacy. One of her major projects was the international touring exhibition project of Girls’ Power! Shojo Manga! (2005-2023). Toku has recently co-edited Women’s Voices in Manga: Japanese Cultural and Historical Perspectives (palgrave macmillan, 2025) with Hiromi Dollase, Vassar College.
Witness the mastery of Japan's intricate silk stencil dyeing techniques that make possible delicate patterns on kimono.
Artisans who are preserving the mastercrafts of Edo Komon and Ise Katagami will be on hand for demonstrations.
Edo Komon is the intricate silk dyeing technique that uses hand-crafted Ise Katagami washi paper stencils.
These traditional art forms, known for their delicate patterns that reveal their beauty upon closer inspection, are a testament to Japan's rich cultural heritage.
This special event is FREE and open to the public
Support comes from:
Yasuhiko and Akemi Saitoh Foundation
Asia Society Texas Center
City of Houston Parks and Recreation Department
Hermann Park Conservancy
Consul-General of Japan in Houston
Japan-America Society of Houston
U.S.-Japan Council
JapanCraft21
Treat yourself each month to Japanese Sweets at the JASH office. This month, enjoy Japanese wagashi made by Sweets Oyatsu.
A variety of traditional Japanese sweets will be available for purchase during the event. This week’s menu will contain the below items:
Strawberry Mochi
Dorayaki
Sakura (Cherry Blossom) Mochi
Matcha Cheesecake
Strawberry Dango
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 Wednesday, March 19.
Originally from Kyoto, Oyatsu Aoi crafts handmade, all natural and additive-free, everyday wagashi, taking special care to incorporate seasonal ingredients.
Session II of the JASH Japanese Language Program begins on Monday, March 17, 2025. Registration is open for all levels on the Japanese Class Schedule and Class Descriptions pages.
NOTE: All Japanese Language Courses are currently being held remotely through Zoom Meetings.
Click on the button below to register:
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 art form through three designs of various difficulty. From beginners to advanced practitioners, there is an origami pattern for everyone.
March Theme: Farm Animal Origami
Rodeo season is here! Let’s celebrate and add the Japanese touch to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo this year by creating origami related to farm animals.
The three (3) origami patterns ranging from beginner to advanced are available for participants to enjoy.
Make a Baby Chick, a Pig, and/or a Cow to get ready for Houston Rodeo 2025!
PROGRAM PARTNER:
“Japan Junction” is returning to the Levy Park Spring Break Family Storytime lineup.
Join us for a reading of Kumo, The Bashful Cloud by Kyo Maclear and experience a day in the life of Kumo, the shy cloud.
The book depicts Kumo’s journey to discover her place in the sky. Sprinkled with Japanese vocabulary, Kumo imparts a new appreciation for clouds and what they do while reminding readers of the importance of community and the confidence that can arise from friendship and visibility.
[Kumo, The Bashful Cloud] is a quiet satifying tale about being brave enough to take that first step. — Kirkus Reviews
Following the reading of Kumo, The Bashful Cloud, make your own floating kumo with cotton balls.
All craft supplies and instruction will be provided by the Japan-America Society of Houston.
Join us as we slow down to appreciate the ever changing and delicate beauty of nature and all the ways it inspires the imagination.
“Japan Junction” is returning to the Levy Park Spring Break lineup with the Daily Fold. Join us daily to transform a flat square sheet of paper into sculpted creations!
Each program will feature a new design with two levels of difficulty, allowing kids of all ages to enjoy the art of origami. This year’s Daily Fold will take you on an origami journey through Osaka’s rich culture and iconic landmarks in celebration of WORLD EXPO 2025, which the City of Osaka will host from April 13 to October 13.
Fold your way through:
Hanami – Enjoy the beauty of the sakura and the pansy, official flowers of Osaka.
Dotonbori – Stroll past Osaka’s vibrant streets and recreate its unique signboards.
Osaka Castle – Find and fold the animal hidden within this historic site.
Harubasho – Experience the excitement of the Spring Sumo Tournament.
Expo Icons – Meet MyakuMyaku, the official mascot of EXPO 2025, and craft the legendary Tower of the Sun from EXPO 1970.
Origami paper and instruction will be provided by the Japan-America Society of Houston. Let the folding fun begin and celebrate this special year with us!
Monday | March 10 | Osaka City Symbol Flowers (lead by Levy Park)
Cherry Blossom [Beginner] *needs scissors
Pansy [Intermediate/Advanced]
Tuesday | March 11 | Unique Signboards in Dotonobori, Osaka
Crab [Beginner]
Blowfish [Intermediate/Advanced]
Wednesday | March 12 | Harubasho, Spring Sumo Tournament*
Sumo wrestler face [Beginner]
Sumo wrestler [Intermediate/Advanced]
*The tournament will be held on March 9-23
Thursday | March 13 | Animal in Osaka Castle
Tiger face [Beginner]
Japanese castle [Intermediate/Advanced]
Friday | March 14 | Expo Mascot/Symbol of the Past and Present
Myakumyaku [Beginner] (Yakko & Hakama origami)
Tower of The Sun [Intermediate/Advanced] (Crane origami)
The Texas State Japanese Language Speech Contest will be held on Saturday, March 8, 2025.
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 Friday, February 28 at 5:00 PM. Click the button below to register:
Contest details are below:
SCHEDULE
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
For more information on the format and content of the 2025 Texas State Japanese Language Speech Contest, please review the contest handbook.
Presented by:
