LEADING U.S.-JAPAN EXCHANGE IN HOUSTON FOR 58 YEARS
Session I of the JASH Japanese Language Program begins on Monday, January 12!
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 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:
This event is held in collaboration with the Japan Society of Northern California.
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
This event is held in collaboration with the Japan Society of Northern California.
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:
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:
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.
$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.
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 the first day of January according to the Gregorian calendar, this was not always the case. In fact, prior to the Meiji Period, Japan observed the new year in accordance with the lunisolar calendar.
Now and in the past, Japanese people celebrate the New Year by setting new goals and resolutions. One of the unique traditions is the decoration of Daruma dolls, which symbolize perseverance and the fulfillment of goals. Create your very own Daruma doll and wish for the success of your New Year’s resolutions. Your original Daruma will surely watch over you and encourage you as you work toward your goals!
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 make their own paper plate Daruma doll.
To join the JASH volunteer team, please complete the form below:
Sign up below no later than [date]. 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.
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.
This event is held in collaboration with the Japan Society of Northern California.
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
This event is held in collaboration with the 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.
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:
More than 20 years into her career, the jazz piano phenomenon Hiromi has earned a reputation as one of the most explosive live performers in jazz history. Her many triumphs include an NPR Tiny Desk Concert that has racked up 2 million views; representing her native Japan at the Opening Ceremony of the 2021 Summer Olympics in Tokyo; and a Grammy Award.
Her expressive, dynamic and versatile band Hiromi’s Sonicwonder features Hadrien Feraud on bass, Gene Coye on drums and the trumpeter Adam O’Farrill. It incorporates the spirit of classic jazz-rock fusion melded with classically-rooted virtuosity and entrancing funk and pop flourishes.
“One of jazz piano’s most brazenly virtuosic players.” - The New York Times
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！
Courtesy of Harris County Precinct 4 | Commissioner Lesley Briones
Please note the event time has been updated to 11 AM - 1 PM due to the weather.
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.
$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.
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.
Brought to you by:
Kinoshita Kabuki’s Kanjincho © Photo by Shinji Hosono
(Presented by Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre/Tokyo Festival 2023)
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:
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!
Celebrate the start of 2026 at the fourth annual JAPAN JUNCTION OSHOGATSU NEW YEAR’S CELEBRATION.
The FREE, family-friendly event will feature live performances, traditional Japanese games, omikuji fortune telling, and craft stations.
Try your hand at kakizome (the first Japanese calligraphy of the year). Decorate your own hagoita/battledore. Color a daruma . Fold origami. Pound mochi. And more!!
Live performances and food concessions will also be featured.
Make Japan a part of your new year festivities and ensure good fortune stays with you throughout the whole year.
Volunteer registration for this event is now closed. We appreciate your interest.
For questions, please contact Program Manager Ikuyo Katayama at ikatayama@jas-hou.org
If you are interested in becoming a vendor at Oshogatsu, please complete the Market Vendor Application below and send to admin@levyparkhouston.org
The JASH offices will be closed from Tuesday, December 30 through Friday, January 2.
Regular business hours will resume on Monday, January 5, 2026.
The JASH offices will be closed from Wednesday, December 24 through Friday, December 26. Regular business hours will resume on Monday, December 29, 2025.
Join JapanCraft21 for a free online presentation on Chinese and Japanese Gardens on December 22nd at 7:00 PM.
Though Chinese and Japanese gardens appear dramatically different, they share a surprisingly similar underlying format. Unlike the formal gardens of Egypt, Rome, and later Europe—which clearly display the imprint of human design—Chinese and Japanese gardens seek to capture an idealized vision of nature.
This presentation explores the shared elements that connect these two great traditions—including framing, transitions, water features, bridges, the borrowing or screening of scenery, and the placement of stones—and reveals how each interprets these elements through its own aesthetic lens.
Time notations on the flyer are in Eastern Time.
This month’s edition of the family-friendly online Japanese home-cooking series おうちごはん OUCHIGOHAN is all about celebrating Christmas Japanese style!
In Japan, Christmas is a joyful, lighthearted holiday best enjoyed with delicious food — and two classics always make the menu: crispy chicken and strawberry Christmas cake.
Join us as Table for Two leads a fun and festive cooking session featuring:
Japanese-Style Christmas Fried Chicken
A beloved holiday tradition in Japan, this dish features juicy fried chicken seasoned the Japanese way — crispy, savory, and perfect for your holiday table.
Japanese Christmas Cake (Strawberry Shortcake)
Learn how to make the iconic Japanese Christmas cake: a fluffy sponge layered with fresh strawberries and whipped cream, beautifully decorated for the season.
Whether you cook along or simply watch and enjoy, this hands-on class hosted by Table For Two is a wonderful way to welcome the holidays with family and friends — all from your own kitchen.
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.
$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.
Join us for a hands-on Nengajo Workshop and discover the art of creating traditional Japanese New Year’s greeting cards-Nengajo!
Participants will design their own Nengajo using the classical Japanese ink-painting style Sumie and the elegant brushwork of Shodo (Japanese calligraphy). In honor of the 2026 Year of the Horse - Uma (午) - horse-themed motifs will take center stage.
Following the workshop, JASH will collect submissions for the annual “Nengajo Contest” hosted by the Japan Information & Culture Center, Embassy of Japan (JICC). More information can be found by clicking the button below.
Express your creativity through Sumie and Shodo, and share heartfelt New Year wishes with family and friends for the coming year!
PLEASE NOTE: Space is LIMITED, and registration will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Each participant must register independently. If you are interested in joining, please register no later than December 12.
Thank you for your interest. To be notified about future events, sign up for updates: https://mailchi.mp/jas-hou/welcome-to-jash
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.
December Theme: Christmas
Christmas is one of the happiest times of the year - it’s the season to decorate the tree, sing along to Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and wait for gifts from Santa to arrive.
This month, three festive holiday patterns have been prepared for you to fold - Santa Claus, a Christmas Tree, and a Reindeer. Once you finish, you can use them as Christmas ornaments and add a unique Japanese touch to your holiday decor.
Join us for this cheerful holiday activity and experience a bit of Japanese culture while making your holidays extra special.
We will have three (3) origami patterns available – beginner, intermediate, and advanced– so everyone can fold at their own level. Whether you’re a first-time folder or an origami wizard, you’ll have a blast.
Origami:
· Beginner: Santa Clause
· Intermediate: Xmas Tree
· Advanced: Reindeer
PROGRAM PARTNER:
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
Shio-Mame Mochi
Tapioca Mochi
Mitarashi Dango
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 Thursday, December 11.
Brought to you by:
Courtesy of Hermann Park Conservancy
Join the Japan-America Society of Houston this Saturday, December 6, as we bring a touch of Japanese tradition to Hermann Park’s day of festive family fun! As part of the Holiday Crafts activities in the Commons (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.), JASH will guide guests in making kadomatsu — a traditional New Year decoration crafted from pine and bamboo.
In Japan, kadomatsu are placed at entrances to welcome ancestral spirits and invite good fortune, prosperity, and renewal for the year ahead. At our booth, visitors of all ages can learn the meaning behind this cherished custom while creating their own mini arrangement to take home.
This hands-on cultural craft is offered free to all park visitors, thanks to Hermann Park Conservancy and PlainsCapital Bank’s holiday celebration featuring rides, crafts, games, roaming Santa visits, and an evening double-feature of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Elf.
Bring your holiday spirit, curiosity, and creativity — and leave with a symbol of luck for the coming year!
Craft Your Own KADOMATSU
A kadomatsu is a special New Year decoration from Japan made with bamboo and pine.
People in Japan place kadomatsu outside their homes to welcome good luck and happy spirits, and to wish for a great year ahead. The tall bamboo stands for strong growth, and the pine branches stand for long-lasting happiness.
Join the Japan Society for this free professional development course for educators.
This session will provide a deep and insightful exploration of the evolving U.S.-Japan relationship, delving into the countries’ intertwined histories from postwar to the present. An expert from Japan will be joining from Japan to talk about how the recent change of the Japanese prime minister affects the US-Japan relationship, how Japan sees current changing U.S. policies, and how Japan responds to changes in global politics and economy. Participants will engage in a forward-looking analysis of how changing U.S. foreign policy may shape or impact Japan and the future of this vital partnership.
In the later session, Prof. Jennifer Robertson will explore the fusion of religion and technology which has deep historical roots across the world’s cultures, including Japan. Following a brief review of several ancient religious technologies, she will highlight innovative uses today in temples and shrines (and churches) of hi-tech devices, including robots, websites, YouTube channels and other forms of social media.
This program’s content is designed for K-12 educators, but college students, instructors, and the general public are also welcome to join this topical lecture
Speaker Bios
Dr. Kaoru Iokibe, Professor, Graduate School of Law and Politics, University of Tokyo.
Dr. Jennifer Robertson, Professor Emerita, Departments of Anthropology and the History of Art, Penny W. Stamps School of Art & Design, and Robotics Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor; Affiliate Professor, Tokyo College, University of Tokyo Institutes for Advanced Study (UTIAS).
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.
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。
December 3: “Hats for the Jizos” and the Kasajizo Wreath
Join us for a delightful Kamishibai performance of “Kasa Jizo” (“Hats for the Jizos”) and discover how families in Japan celebrate Omisoka, or New Year’s Eve.
During December, people throughout Japan become immersed in the hustle and bustle of preparing for the New Year. However, on Omisoka, families gather to share a meal, reflect on the past year, and welcome the coming one in a warm, meaningful, and relaxing way.
Following the Kamishibai reading, participants will also have the chance to create their own Kasa Jizo–inspired wreath. Add a touch of Japanese tradition to your holiday season and enjoy crafting festive décor with beautiful cultural flair!
Following the Kamishibai reading, participants can create their own magical mallet inspired by the enchanting story.
12月3日：紙芝居「かさじぞう」とかさじぞうリース
日本では、12月は新年に向けて慌ただしい時期ですが、大晦日は家族みんなでおいしい特別な食事を囲みながらゆっくりと新年が明けるのを待ちます。
紙芝居のあとは、かさじぞうのリースをつくります。今年のホリデーシーズンに向けて、日本のテイストを加えたデコレーションを一緒に作って、残りの年も楽しみましょう！
The 2025 U.S.-Japan Space Forum in Texas will convene leaders from government, industry, and academia to advance bilateral cooperation in space. Building on the legacy of the International Space Station, this year’s conference centers on the future of Commercial LEO Destinations (CLDs)—a new frontier for orbital infrastructure shaped by U.S. and Japanese stakeholders.
Key themes include:
Lessons from the ISS and pathways to future commercial space stations
Technical challenges in realizing CLDs
Societal and economic impacts of commercial platforms in space
Opportunities for deepened U.S.-Japan collaboration
The 2025 U.S.-Japan Space Forum in Texas offers a unique opportunity to explore the pivotal role of the U.S.-Japan space alliance in the emerging era of commercial orbital infrastructure. As commercial players take a larger role in shaping the future of Low Earth Orbit (LEO), the forum will highlight the growing commitments to innovation and development by NASA and JAXA, alongside contributions from U.S. and Japanese academic and business sectors.
Engage with industry leaders from pioneering organizations, including Axiom Space, Starlab/Voyager, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, and LEO Shachu. Speakers will share insights on collaborative innovations and the future of Commercial LEO Destinations (CLDs), highlighting how U.S. and Japanese cooperation will define the next chapter of space exploration.
Join us in shaping the next era of space cooperation between the United States and Japan.
This program is FREE with registration. Please fill out the form below to register by November 21.
Nichole Ayers
Astronaut, NASA
Courtesy of NASA
Takuya Onishi
Astronaut, JAXA
Courtesy of JAXA
Dr. Michael Baine | Chief Engineer Growth, Axiom Space
Dr. Meghan Everett | Principal Scientist, Vast
Olivier Farache | Chief Revenue Officer, Vast
Tim Kopra | Chief Human Exploration Officer, Voyager Technologies
Dr. Randy Lillard | Senior Director, Program Management, Blue Origin
Yudai Yamamoto | CEO & President, Japan LEO Shachu, Inc.
Kazuya Yufu | Director, MHI Launch Services, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
Dr. David Alexander | Director, Rice Space Institute
The 2025 U.S.-Japan Space Forum in Texas is co-presented by:
Japan-America Society of Houston
Consulate-General of Japan in Houston
Support for the December program is provided by:
Greater Houston Partnership
Image courtesy of the City of Houston
JASH will once again be walking as a group with the Sister Cities of Houston float in the 76th Annual H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade on behalf of our Sister City in Japan, Chiba City and we want YOU to join us.
Participants must be able and willing to walk the entire parade route, over 20 city blocks. To see the parade route, click HERE.
Meet up and parking instructions will be available to volunteers closer to the event date.
Fill out the form below in order to participate in this special event.
Registration has closed. Here’s wishing you and yours a very Happy Thanksgiving!
The JASH offices will be closed from noon Wednesday, November 26 through Friday, November 28.
Regular business hours will resume on Monday, December 1, 2025.
Join the Japan-America Society of North Carolina (JASNC) 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!
This November, we’re warming up with a cozy Tsukune Hot Pot (Tori Dango Nabe) — a hearty Japanese one-pot dish featuring tender chicken meatballs simmered with vegetables in a light, flavorful broth. It’s the perfect comfort food for the cooler season and a wonderful way to gather around the table with family and friends.
To complete the meal, we’ll finish with Shime no Udon, adding udon noodles at the end to soak up the rich, savory broth — a classic and satisfying way to conclude a traditional Japanese winter hot pot meal.
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.
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.
On November 15th, Fort Bend County Libraries (FBCL) is hosting a free Book Festival featuring Amanda Churchill, author of The Turtle House at the George Memorial Library from 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM. The event is sponsored by The Friends of George Memorial Library, and will have authors from multiple genres, a kids carnival with hands-on activities and games, and performances by Dan Gordon and Clements High School Yosakoi dance team.
The Japan-America Society of Houston (JASH) is excited to host The Kimono Demonstration & Yukata Try-On Workshop at the event.
Schedule:
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM : Kimono demonstration (Meeting Room) led by JOI Coordinator, Mai
12:00 PM - 3:00 PM : Yukata try on (Gallery)
Come experience the beauty of Japanese traditional attire - we look forward to seeing you there!
For more information about the event , please click the buttons below:
Treat yourself to Japanese wagashi made by Sweets Oyatsu at the JASH office.
A variety of traditional Japanese sweets will be available for purchase during the event. The menu will contain the below items:
Strawberry Mochi
Fig Mochi
Tapioca Mochi
Mitarashi Dango
Dorayaki
Matcha Cheese Cake
Matcha Soy Jelly
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 Wednesday, November 12.
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。
November 5: “The One-Inch Boy” and the Magic Mallet
Join us for a delightful Kamishibai reading of "The One-Inch Boy" as we celebrate Shichi-Go-San, a traditional Japanese festival that celebrates the growth and health of children!
Shichi-Go-San is a cherished rite of passage for children aged 3, 5, and 7. It celebrates their healthy growth and marks important milestones in their lives. On this day, children wear Kimono, visit shrines with their families, take commemorative photos, and enjoy Chitose Ame – a special candy symbolizing longevity. In new story of “The One-Inch Boy,” you can see his growth through his exciting adventures.
Following the Kamishibai reading, participants can create their own magical mallet inspired by the enchanting story.
11月5日：紙芝居「一寸法師」と打ち出の小づち工作
日本では3歳、5歳、7歳の子供の成長を祝う七五三が毎年11月に行われます。七五三は子供が一歩一人前になることを祝う行事です。お祝いでは、着物を着て写真を撮り、家族で神社にお参りに行き、千歳飴をもらいます。一寸法師のお話は、小さな少年が大冒険を通して大きく成長するお話です。お話を読んだ後は、どんな願い事も叶う打出の小づちを一緒に作りましょう！
Session IV of the JASH Japanese Language Program begins on Monday, October 20, 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 the US Japan Exchange & Teaching Programme Alumni Association (USJETAA) for this family-friendly online Japanese home cooking class series おうちごはん OUCHIGOHAN and cook along or just watch from your own kitchen!
This October, it’s the Onigiri Action Halloween Bash! We will be making:
Onigiri (Salmon or Tuna) are hand-shaped rice balls filled with flaky salmon or creamy tuna mayo. We’ll also show you how to decorate them in cute, festive ways for Halloween.
Pumpkin (Kabocha) Soup is a cozy fall dish made with smooth, naturally sweet pumpkin. It’s comforting and simple to make, perfect for warming up on a crisp fall day.
Spinach Ohitashi, a classic Japanese side dish dressed with katsuo flakes or sesame seeds for a vegetarian option. It’s light, flavorful, and a nice balance to the meal.
The class is also part of #OnigiriAction, TABLE FOR TWO’s annual social good campaign aimed at providing 1 million school meals to children in need. Don’t forget to snap a photo of your onigiri and share it with the hashtag #OnigiriAction !
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.
#OnigiriAction is an annual autumn social good campaign connecting the simple act of taking a photo with helping to feed school children in need. Every rice ball-related post on the global campaign website or your social media channel with the tag #OnigiriAction will provide five school meals to children in need around the world.
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.
