Japan America Society of Southern California upcoming events

JASSC Summer Networking Dinner at AFURI Culver City (Thursday, August 20, 2026)

Fri, 21 Aug 2026 00:30:00 GMT

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

Registration Fee

Members: $35
Non-Members:$40

Due to restaurant planning and advance reservations, cancellations must be received by Thursday, August 13, 2026. Unfortunately, no refunds can be issued for cancellations received after this date.

Capacity
Limited to approximately 20 guests.
Advance registration is required.

About AFURI

Japanese eatery highlighting a signature bowl of yuzu shio ramen and other comfort fare, plus beer.
A modern Izakaya styled feeling, intimate and comfortable.
http://afuriramen.com/

JASSC 117th Anniversary Dinner & Gala Celebration (Thursday, September 17, 2026)

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 01:30:00 GMT

Thursday, September 17, 2026

6:30pm Check-in
7pm Reception
8pm Dinner & Gala Celebration

PLACE

The Biltmore Los Angeles
506 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90071

Map & Directions

ATTIRE

Cocktail or Business

PARKING

Parking will be complimentary as we will provide validation

Tickets, Sponsorships, and Silent Auction Opportunities

Click here for the 117th Gala Sponsorship Brochure

Individual Seats are $450 per guest
Table Sponsorships begin at $6,500

Your participation will make JASSC programs possible, including the Kite Workshops that benefit children attending Title I programs (i.e., schools serving a high percentage of children from low-income families) and Japan Bowl of California.

スポンサーシップ

アニバーサリーディナーの寄付金や協賛金は、南加日米協会が開催する教育プログラムを継続するための重要な資金源となっております。Title I プログラム（NCLB第 1 章で定められた不利な状況にある児童・生徒の学力の向上に向けた取組に対する財政支援）に参加している学校に通う低所得層の生徒が対象で、和凧作製ワークショップや、ジャパンボウルオブカリフォルニアなどのプログラムを開催しています。

For additional information about attractive sponsorship opportunities, please contact Chie McHaffie at mchaffie@jas-socal.org.

GALA TRIBUTE BOOK
Increase your company's visibility and marketing outreach! To place an ad in the Gala Tribute Book, please contact Chie McHaffie at mchaffie@jas-socal.org.

International Citizens Award - 国際市民賞

YOSHIKI

YOSHIKI is an internationally acclaimed composer, musician, producer, philanthropist, and cultural ambassador whose influence extends far beyond the world of music. As the leader and co-founder of X JAPAN, he helped redefine Japanese rock music and became one of the country’s most influential artists. His remarkable career has expanded across classical music, film scoring, fashion, and international collaborations, earning him worldwide recognition while introducing Japanese artistry and culture to global audiences.

Beyond his artistic achievements, YOSHIKI has devoted himself to humanitarian efforts and charitable initiatives throughout his career. He has generously supported disaster relief, children’s charities, medical research, and educational programs in Japan, the United States, and around the world. Through both his philanthropy and his music, he has inspired hope, resilience, and compassion across cultures.

As a cultural ambassador, YOSHIKI has built meaningful bridges between Japan and the United States through creativity, innovation, and mutual respect. His ability to unite people through music while using his global platform to support humanitarian causes reflects the very spirit of international friendship.

This year, we are proud to honor YOSHIKI with the Kokusai Shimin Sho (International Citizens Award) in recognition of his extraordinary achievements in music, his humanitarian leadership, and his enduring commitment to strengthening the relationship between Japan and the United States.

Benkyoukai 2027 (Friday, February 05, 2027)

Sat, 06 Feb 2027 01:00:00 GMT

Registration opens in mid-December 2026

What is the "Benkyoukai?"

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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