Japan America Society of Southern California
 Building Japan-America Relationships Since 1909

The Japan America Society of Southern California is a recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit, charitable and educational organization consisting of individuals and corporations with an interest in Japan and in United States-Japan relations. We have been building Japan-America relationships since 1909.

Upcoming events

  • Benkyoukai 2026

    • Friday, February 06, 2026
    • 5:00 PM
    • Friday, February 27, 2026
    • 6:30 PM
    • Zoom

    We are pleased to announce that Benkyoukai will be held again this year on the following dates.

    Registration will open in early January.

    • Friday, February 6 | 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM (PT)

    • Friday, February 13 | 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM (PT)

    • Friday, February 20 | 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM (PT)

    • Friday, February 27 | 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM (PT)

    What is the "Benkyoukai?"

    The Japan Bowl® of California "Benkyoukai" is a virtual study session hosted by the Japan America Society of Southern California to provide high school students who are competing in the National Japan Bowl® (April 17-18, 2026) an in-depth look at some of the topics and themes which may appear in the competition.

    For 2026, 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 6 | 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM (PT)
    Session 2: Friday, February 13 | 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM (PT)
    Session 3: Friday, February 20 | 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM (PT)
    Cultural Day: Friday, February 27 | 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM (PT)

    *Schedule subject to change

    Goals of the "Benkyoukai"

    The goals of the "Benkyoukai" virtual study sessions are to build on the linguistic skills the students are gaining through their Japanese language courses in their classrooms by analyzing the specific topics and types of questions that may appear in the upcoming competition. We also hope to provide the students a safe and supportive learning environment by building a strong classroom community where students from many different schools can build networks with peers who have similar interests in Japan and the Japanese language.

    Session Details

    Students competing in Levels 2, 3, and 4 will attend a total of three 90-minute virtual zoom meetings in which the instructor will cover some of the topics covered in the "National Japan Bowl Team Study Guide" made available through the Japan America Society of Washington DC. Each session will mainly consist of a lecture portion and a breakout session portion. During the lecture, the students will be given a chance to familiarize themselves with the types of prompts that may appear during the competition. In the breakout sessions, students will implement what they have learned by engaging in conversational exercises with their classmates. The fourth and final session will be dedicated to offering the students a cultural experience through "Cultural Day."

    Students who attend all three sessions will receive a certificate of completion and a special Benkyoukai care package.

    Who Can Participate in the "Benkyoukai?"

    High school students who are registered to compete in the National Japan Bowl® at any level are eligible to participate in The Japan Bowl® of California Benkyoukai. Each eligible student must complete their application and submit it by the proposed deadline. Please note, due to the limitation of space, student applications will be accepted on a first come first serve basis.

    What is "Cultural Day?"

    Cultural Day is the final session of Benkyoukai to celebrate a job well done for the participants by inviting special guests from Japan and the U.S.! All participants of Japan Bowl Benkyoukai as well as their families are all welcome to join us virtually.


    Show details

 E.N.G.A.G.E with us.  Support now!

E.N.G.A.G.E. (Enrich, Nurture, Guide and Grow through Education)

At the Japan America Society of Southern California, we believe in the power of culture to build a brighter, more interconnected world. Our student and young professionals programs are designed to foster education about Japan and also build understanding, collaboration, and lifelong friendships between young people in Japan and the United States. But we cannot do it alone – we need your help.

Why Your Support Matters:

Help sustain and grow our legacy educational programs like the Japan America Kite Festival®  Japanese kite making workshops that serve LA area under-resourced elementary school children, Japan Bowl® of California Benkyoukai that prepare U.S. high school students for the annual National Japan Bowl® competition, and our Women’s Leadership Counts Initiative Young Professionals Workshops that strategically support career development of young professionals on both sides of the Pacific.

  • Empower Youth: By contributing, you enable students and young professionals to engage in life-changing cultural and educational opportunities.
  • Build Bridges: Your donation helps bridge the gap between the Japanese and American cultures, fostering mutual respect and global cooperation.
  • Create Leaders: Our programs nurture future leaders who will drive positive change and international understanding.

Join Us in Making a Difference:

  • Donate Today!! Your financial support is crucial in providing educational resources, and enabling our world-class programs.

Together, we can create a future where young minds are enriched through cultural  understanding and enhanced knowledge about Japan and the U.S.

E.N.G.A.G.E. the Japan America Society student and young professional programs today and be a part of a creating a better tomorrow, today.

Thank you for your generosity and commitment to fostering international friendship and cooperation.

How You Can Help!

There are many ways to support JASSC fulfill our non-profit mission:

          

©2025 Japan America Society of Southern California
1411 W. 190th Street, Suite 360, Gardena, CA 90248

tel (310) 965-9050    fax (310) 965-9010   email info@jas-socal.org

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