As 2025 comes to a close, the Japan-America Society of Houston (JASH) reflects on a year marked by steady engagement, meaningful exchange, and a deepened presence across the Houston region and beyond. From year-round language education to major public festivals and international exchanges, JASH remained committed to building bridges between Japan and the United States through culture, learning, and community.
A Year-Round Commitment to Learning
Education anchored JASH’s work throughout the year. Our Japanese Language Program ran continuously across multiple sessions, serving students of all ages and proficiency levels through both group and private instruction. This commitment to language education was further reflected in a full slate of speech contests — from the Houston Regional and Texas State Japanese Language Speech Contests to the All-U.S.A. High School Japanese Language Speech Contest — showcasing the dedication and talent of students across Texas.
Culture in the Community
Public cultural programming brought Japanese traditions and contemporary perspectives into parks, schools, museums, and neighborhoods throughout the year. Japan Junction at Levy Park, monthly Origami at Evelyn’s Park, and hands-on workshops — from wagashi tastings to onigiri-making — offered accessible entry points for families and first-time participants. In 2025, these efforts were strengthened by the return of the Japan Outreach Initiative (JOI) to JASH through the addition of a JOI coordinator to the team. With support from the Laurasian Institution and the Japan Foundation, JOI expanded JASH’s capacity for community-based programming, extending outreach to schools, libraries, and neighborhood partners across the region.
Seasonal celebrations punctuated the calendar, including Oshogatsu, Tanabata, and holiday craft programs such as kadomatsu and nengajo workshops. JASH also partnered with leading cultural institutions on film screenings, performances, and exhibitions, extending the reach of Japanese arts and perspectives throughout Houston.
Signature Events and Festivals
A highlight of the year was Japan Festival Houston, which drew a record-breaking 80,000 attendees for a weekend celebrating Japanese food, performance, arts, and community. The festival remains one of JASH’s most visible expressions of cultural exchange and a cornerstone of Houston’s multicultural landscape.
Beyond our own signature events, JASH actively participated in citywide celebrations — from AANHPI Heritage Month programs and Lunar New Year festivities to the H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade — reinforcing our role as a cultural partner across Greater Houston.
Youth, Exchange, and International Engagement
The Houston–Chiba Sister City Youth Ambassador Program continued to thrive in 2025, with interviews, orientations, and an overseas exchange that sent Houston students to Chiba, Japan. JASH also welcomed distinguished visitors, including Mayor Kamiya of Chiba City, strengthening civic ties through official visits and public receptions.
International dialogue extended beyond cultural exchange. Programs such as the U.S.–Japan Space Forum in Texas, economic exchange delegations, and participation in the U.S.–Japan Sister Cities Summit in Japan underscored JASH’s role in fostering professional, civic, and business collaboration.
Gratitude and Looking Ahead
Behind every program and partnership is a network of dedicated volunteers, educators, artists, sponsors, and community partners. Their support made it possible for JASH to sustain a full calendar of activity throughout 2025 — from intimate workshops to large-scale public festivals.
As we look toward 2026, JASH remains committed to creating spaces for learning, celebration, and dialogue that strengthen U.S.–Japan relations at every level. Thank you for being part of this journey with us.
2025 By the Numbers
~80,000 attendees at Japan Festival Houston, one of the city’s largest celebrations of Japanese culture
130+ cultural, educational, and professional programs hosted throughout the year
1,000+ students and learners engaged through language instruction, speech contests, and school-based programs
50+ community, corporate, and institutional partners collaborating across Houston and beyond
2 international delegations welcomed from Japan, strengthening civic and cultural ties
700+ volunteers supporting JASH programs, festivals, and outreach efforts
3.3M social media views and 500K+ community interactions, extending JASH’s reach across Houston and beyond
Photo by Lance Childers/Houston First