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

Sponsored by:

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 

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.

February Theme: Valentine’s Day

Looking for a special way to celebrate Valentine's Day weekend with your family and loved ones? In Japan, it is a tradition for girls to give chocolate to someone special or to share chocolate with friends on Valentine’s Day. Join us for a fun and creative activity where you can fold Valentine’s-themed origami and create heartfelt gifts to share with those you care about.

Three (3) origami patterns ranging from beginner to advanced are available for participants to enjoy. Make a heart, a dove, and a rose!

Origami:

·        Beginner: Heart

·        Intermediate: Dove

·        Advance: Rose

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。

February 4: “Why do We Throw Beans on Setsubun?” and Oni Mask

Setsubun is a festival marking the end of winter and the beginning of spring in Japan. It is observed annually on February 3, at home, in schools, or at shrines throughout Japan.

Join us for a kamishibai reading of “Naze Setsubun ni Mame wo Makuno?” or "Why do We Throw Beans on Setsubun?” to discover why the Japanese people celebrate the coming of spring in a unique way.

Following the kamishibai presentation, make your own Oni Mask and learn how Japanese families wish for good luck through mame-maki or bean throwing.  “Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!  Out with the Oni, and in with good fortune!”

2月4日：紙芝居「なぜ、せつぶんに豆をまくの？」と鬼のお面作り

「鬼は外! 福は内！」一緒に節分をお祝いしましょう！

節分に豆をまく理由を知っていますか？紙芝居「なぜ、せつぶんに豆をまくの？」を観て、節分と豆まきの由来を学びましょう。そして紙芝居の後は、鬼のお面を作ります。作った後は、そのお面を使って家で家族と一緒に豆まきを楽しんで、たくさんの福を呼び込もう！

Join Commissioner Lesley Briones and Harris County Precinct 4 as we celebrate the diversity of our incredible community and the newest addition to the beautiful Arthur Storey Park. Enjoy a vibrant lineup of activities and entertainment, including:

• Free light bites and refreshments

• Community performances

• Lion dance ceremony

• Activities and resources for all ages

Commissioner Lesley Briones proudly dedicated the Pavilion at Arthur Storey Park and opened it to the public in October 2025. The legacy project, conceived in 2022 under Commissioner Jack Cagle, enriches the community’s public spaces. The handcrafted artisan pavilion features a solid wood roof shipped from Taiwan and offers residents a serene and meaningful place to gather and celebrate.

JASH is excited to participate in the Arthur Storey Park Pavilion Grand Opening with a culture booth with family-friendly activities.

We're looking for friendly, enthusiastic volunteers to help us engage the public, lead activities, and share the joy of Japanese culture. Come be a part of this unique celebration and help us inspire curiosity, creativity, and community spirit.

Sign up below no later than Wednesday, January 28. Each participant must register individually.

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 the Japan Society in New York City for this in-person event exploring energy and economic security and U.S-Japan cooperation.

The energy landscape, which is crucial to our daily lives, industries and economic growth, is undergoing significant changes. Technological innovations are accelerating the transition to renewable energy, yet increasing geopolitical risks are causing market instability. Additionally, the rise of AI and data centers is driving a surge in electricity demand, making energy security an urgent priority for nations. At a recent summit in Tokyo President Trump and Prime Minister Takaichi affirmed their commitment to take further steps for a new golden age of the U.S.-Japan alliance. How can our two countries deepen their collaboration to address shared challenges and maximize mutual benefits? In this program, experts from both countries will explore the significance of energy and economic security, assess the current energy landscape, and highlight opportunities for deeper U.S.-Japan cooperation to secure a stable energy future.

Agenda
6:30 – 7:30pm: Discussion and Q&A 
7:30 – 8:00pm: Networking Reception

This is a paid event with advance registration required. Register for the event below.

Speaker Bios

Takajiro Ishikawa, President & CEO, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries America; Executive Vice President, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries; Japan-America Society of Houston Chairman

Carolyn Kissane, Associate Dean and Clinical Professor, Center for Global Affairs, New York University
Ken Koyama, Senior Managing Director, Chief Economist, The Institute of Energy Economics, Japan (IEEJ)

Join the Japan-America Society of Greater Philadelphia 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!

To kick off the new year, we will be making gyoza, Japan’s favorite dumpling!

Adapted from the Chinese dumpling Jiaozi, the soft dough wrapper with a savory meat or vegetarian filling is not hard to make.  Pinch-Pleat-Repeat as you form perfect crescents.  We will make two gyoza dishes: pan fried with a crispy bottom to eat with a dipping sauce and the other is Gyoza Nabe where we add the uncooked savory pillows to a simmering pot of winter vegetables.   Homemade dipping sauces will be part of the menu.

A full list of ingredients, recipes, and instructions will be sent the week of the class..

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 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.

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

• Pecans Mochi

• Tapioca Mochi

• Yubeshi/Pecans and Raisins Mochi Bar

• Dorayaki

• Matcha Cheese Cake

• Hojicha Cheese Cake

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, January 22.

A group of refugees fleeing to safety. An uncompromising inspector whose life depends on apprehending the fugitive among the group. Can they cross the border? Recognized as a masterpiece of kabuki theater, Kanjincho draws its tale from the 12th century, featuring deception, quick wit, and a riotous and nail-biting tit-for-tat with impossibly high stakes as its centerpiece. Kinoshita Kabuki gleefully charges across the boundary between bombastic traditional kabuki drama and contemporary theater in a hip and pop culture-drenched take on this surprisingly evergreen tale about transcending borders. Created by brilliant young dramaturg Yuichi Kinoshita with in-demand guest director Kunio Sugihara, experience the international sensation that has cemented Kinoshita Kabuki’s place in the current pantheon of sterling modern theater companies.

Performed in Japanese with English supertitles. Performance runs approximately 80 minutes

Tickets are available for $50 Members; $65 Nonmembers. Click the button below to purchase your tickets:

Artists and Creative Team

Kinoshita Kabuki, a contemporary theater company based in Kyoto, Japan, was founded in 2006 by Yuichi Kinoshita. Inspired by Kinoshita’s own passion for classical Kabuki, Kinoshita Kabuki endeavors to reawaken interest in this traditional art among modern audiences. With this aim in mind, Kinoshita set out to stage kabuki works in unconventional ways, adapting scripts with sharp colloquial language, incorporating pop culture and utilizing classic themes to grapple with current societal issues, all while remaining deeply grounded in the original work. In order to approach kabuki from a variety of perspectives, each piece presented by Kinoshita Kabuki features a new cast and an external director. After receiving accolades throughout Europe and East Asia, this production marks Kinoshita Kabuki’s North American debut. Performers: Lee the 5th, Ryotaro Sakaguchi, Noemi Takayama, Yasuhiro Okano, Kazunori Kameshima, Hiroshi Shigeoka, Yuya Ogaki

Yuichi Kinoshita (creator and dramaturg) is founder, supervisor and dramaturge of the Kyoto-based company Kinoshita Kabuki. Kinoshita was born in 1985 in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan. When he was in elementary school, he was shocked by the brilliance of kamigata rakugo (a form of traditional Japanese comedy in the Kansai dialect) performance and began practicing rakugo on his own.  Subsequently, Kinoshita went on to expand his interests in traditional performing arts as well as simultaneously learning contemporary performing arts. In 2006, Kinoshita founded the theater company Kinoshita Kabuki, in which he oversees dramaturgy on productions of classic theater pieces. Signature productions include Musume Dojoji, Kurozuka, Tokaido Yotsuya Kaidan (The Full Performance), The Love Suicides at Amijima, Yoshitsune Senbon-zakura (Tokaiya/Daimotsunoura), and Sesshu Gappou ga Tsuji – Itoi Version – . In 2015, the company’s revival of Sannin Kichisa Kuruwa no Hatsugai was nominated for the Yomiuri Theatre Awards' Best Production of the First Half of 2015, and for his work on Kanjincho, presented in 2016, Kinoshita received the Agency for Cultural Affairs Arts Festival New Artist Award for fiscal year 2016. He also received the 38th Kyoto Prefecture Cultural Award Encouragement Prize in 2019. Outside of his own company, he is active in a wide range of activities related to traditional performing arts, including serving as a dramaturg for the Shibuya Cocoon Kabuki production of Kirare no Yosa (2018), as well as writing and giving lectures. He was a recipient of the 2017 Arts and Culture Special Encouragement Program award. Since 2024, Kinoshita has served as the leading Artistic Director of Matsumoto Performing Arts Centre. https://kinoshita-kabuki.org/

Kunio Sugihara (director and stage designer) is a director, stage designer, and founder of the company KUNIO. Born in 1982, Sugihara graduated from the Department of Film and Performing Arts  at Kyoto University of Art and Design with a Masters in Art Design. In 2004, he founded the theater production company KUNIO as a platform to direct various works. Notable works produced by the company include KUNIO15 The Greeks (2019), edited and translated by John Barton and Kenneth Cavander, KUNIO11 Hamlet (2014), written by William Shakespeare, KUNIO09 Angels in America - Part 1: Millennium Approaches, Part 2: Perestroika- (2011), written by Tony Kushner, KUNIO14 Mizu no Eki (2019), and KUNIO10 Sarachi (2012 and 2021), where he vividly revived the masterpiece by Shogo Ota, who was Sugihara’s mentor from the university. With Kinoshita Kabuki, he has directed ten productions, including Sannin Kichisa Kuruwa no Hatsugai, which was nominated for the Yomiuri Drama Award, Kurozuka and Tokaido Yotsuya Kaidan (The Full Performance). His previous directorial works span a wide range of genres, from kabuki theater and Greek tragedy to contemporary theater, including Shin Suikoden (2023), written by Kensuke Yokouchi, presented at the Kabuki-za Theatre, Pandra’s Bell (2022), written by Hideki Noda and Blood Wedding (2022), written by Federico García Lorca. Recently, he has expanded his directing activities into other genres, such the Sanrio Puroland’s 35th Anniversary "The Quest of Wonders Parade" and Donizetti's opera, L'elisir d'amore. https://kunio.me

The U.S. tour of Kinoshita Kabuki’s Kanjincho is produced by Japan Society.  The program is supported by the Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan, Japan Arts Council and subsidized by JLOX+, with funding from The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan.

The Japan-America Society of Houston (JASH) offices will be closed on Monday, January 19, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Japanese private tutoring sessions and group Japanese classes have also been cancelled.

Normal business hours and classes will resume on January 20.

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.

*this month’s session will held on the third Saturday (January 17)

January Theme: Hatsu Yume - First Dream of the Year

Happy New Year! あけましておめでとうございます！ Let’s start 2026 with good fortune by folding Origami inspired by symbols connected to “Hatsu Yume,” the first dream of the year that is traditionally believed to foretell one’s fortune for the year ahead. Join us for a fun and creative activity perfect for families and children of all ages.

Three (3) origami patterns ranging from beginner to advanced are available for participants to enjoy. Make Fujisan (Mt. Fuji), Nasubi (eggplant), and Taka (hawk)!

Origami:

·        Beginner: Fujisan

·        Intermediate: Nasubi

·        Advance: Taka

PROGRAM PARTNER:

Every year, more than 25,000 racers from across the globe descend upon Houston for the Chevron Houston Marathon and Aramco Houston Half Marathon.

As runners tackle Houston’s highly acclaimed course, JASH will be joining the more than 250,000 supporters and spectators in sharing Houston’s hospitality.

Come help us cheer on the runners to the finish line in Japanese fashion!

JASH has been placed on MILE 7 of the course at the intersection of Bissonnet & Hazard in front of Picnic Box Lunches. Please click here to view the 2026 course map with road closures. 

To join the JASH HOOPLA BRIGADE, please complete the form below by January 9th. Each participant must register individually.

We look forward to seeing you on January 11!