JASSC Summer Networking Dinner at AFURI Culver City
- Connect over ramen, conversation and community -

Join the Japan America Society of Southern California (JASSC) for a special evening of networking and Japanese cuisine at AFURI Culver City.

Whether you’re a longtime member or joining us for the first time, this dinner is a great opportunity to meet professionals, reconnect with friends, and expand your network in a relaxed setting.

AFURI will prepare an exclusive dinner menu for JASSC, featuring its signature ramen along with other carefully selected dishes.

We look forward to sharing an enjoyable evening of great food and meaningful conversations.

Date & Time: 
Thursday, August 20, 2026
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

Location:
AFURI Ramen - Culver City
The Culver Steps - 9300 Culver Blvd Unit 117, Culver City, CA 90232

*Parking - Visit - The Culver Steps (Parking structure is below the Culver Steps)
AFURI can provide parking validation

Special Dinner Menu
Signature AFURI Ramen
Appetizer
One beverage
Additional beverages available for purchase

- JASSC will contact selected schools directly with additional information -

We are currently seeking sponsors:
View Sponsorship Opportunities

Registration opens in mid-December 2026

The Japan Bowl® of California “Benkyoukai” is a virtual study and cultural exchange program hosted by the Japan America Society of Southern California for high school students participating in the National Japan Bowl®.

For 2027, the Japan America Society of Southern California offered the "Benkyoukai" sessions to student of ALL LEVELS (Level 2, 3, and 4) free of charge!

Session Schedule

Session 1: Friday, February 5 | 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM (PT)
Session 2: Friday, February 12 | 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM (PT)
Session 3: Friday, February 19 | 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM (PT)
Cultural Day: Friday, February 26 | 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM (PT)

*Schedule subject to change
*Students are welcome to join even if they cannot attend all sessions

Session Details

Each session will feature original lectures by Japanese university students on a wide range of topics related to Japanese society, culture, and current trends.

After each presentation, participants will be divided into small breakout rooms by language proficiency level to enjoy Japanese conversation with the university students and other attendees.

Who Can Participate in the "Benkyoukai?"

Benkyoukai is open to high school students across North America who are studying Japanese.
Due to limited capacity, registration will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Please Note:
Benkyoukai is mainly intended for students studying for the National Japan Bowl. While parts of the presentation may feel challenging for beginners, conversation practice will be organized by proficiency level.

*The content of Benkyoukai may be recorded and could be shared externally.

What is "Cultural Day?"

Cultural Day is the final session of Benkyoukai, designed for participants to enjoy a fun and engaging cultural lecture as a reward for all their hard work. We invite a special guest speaker from either Japan or the U.S. to present on a fascinating topic related to Japanese culture.

▼ Cultural Day Guest Speaker

Misato Wheeler
Founder of IKIGAI MATCHA®, a Japan-born matcha lifestyle brand

Misato Wheeler is the founder of IKIGAI MATCHA®, a Japan-born matcha lifestyle brand. Through the Japanese concepts of ikigai and matcha, she inspires people to nurture both mind and body while embracing a healthier, more meaningful lifestyle.

A mother of two, Misato will relocate to Maryland, USA, in Spring 2027. She is the Founder and Representative of the International Matcha Advisor Association, a Certified Kanagawa Prefecture Tour Guide, an Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan exhibitor, and an Ambassador for the Kanagawa–Maryland Sister State Relationship. She also has extensive experience collaborating with luxury brand events.

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